Wānaka triathlete Braden Currie has announced his retirement from professional Ironman racing after 16 years competing at the highest level of endurance sport.

The announcement marks the end of an era for one of New Zealand’s most successful multisport and Ironman athletes.

“I’m stoked to be able to announce my retirement from Ironman racing,” Braden said.

“It’s been an incredible journey - 16 years of racing the best athletes in the world on the biggest stages. I’ve achieved more than I ever believed possible and I’m proud of what we’ve been able to do as a family, a team, and a community.”

From his debut Ironman victory in Taupō to his 2022 Ironman World Championship podium in Utah, Braden’s career has been defined by determination, passion, and consistency at the top of world endurance sport.

“Ironman has been my life for over a decade,” he said. “I’ve loved the challenge, but it feels like the right time to stop chasing finish lines and start focusing on other goals in life.”

Braden said his next chapter will focus on family, community and adventure, while staying involved in the endurance and adventure sport scene.

He finishes his professional Ironman career with 51 wins and 72 podiums from 92 events worldwide.

Career highlights

• Two-time Ironman New Zealand champion, including a commanding win in 2021 (7:57:13)
• Three-time Ironman Asia-Pacific champion (Cairns): 2018 (course record 7:54:58), 2019, and 2023 (course best)
• Ironman World Championship podium (St George, 2022): 3rd in 7:54:19 behind Kristian Blummenfelt and Lionel Sanders
• Four-time Coast to Coast Longest Day champion, underlining multisport roots and all-terrain versatility.

PHOTO: Luke O’Shea