Wānaka athlete Braden Currie finished second at the Cairns Ironman Asia Pacific Championships on Sunday (June 16) with the result qualifying him for the Ironman World Championship event in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii in October.

He finished behind Australian Matt Burton and fellow Kiwi Mike Phillips secured third place. 

All three athletes broke the course record previously set by Braden.

Braden said he was “happy enough” with the day.

“It was great to see my body in good form and I felt good overall.”

“I had a really good swim, got off to a strong start and managed to gain some ground early on.

“During the run I felt comfortable … however Matt had an outstanding race and managed to run consistently right to the line.”

Braden recorded the fastest run leg.

Braden - the three-time Ironman Cairns Champion - recorded the fastest run of the day.

He said he was “conserving a bit” during the run as qualification for Kailua-Kona - the biggest event on the Ironman calendar, also known as ‘Kona’ - was his “number one goal”.

Braden has secured his Kona slot and now ranks sixth in the Ironman Pro Series standings.

His next event is the Ironman Lake Placid on July 21.

Fellow Kiwi Hannah Berry won the women's event.

PHOTOS: Korupt Vision