Lily's a relative triathlon newcomer – but is now a world champion
Chichester-based triathlete Lily De Lacy took on the best in the world in her age category at this year’s Ironman World Championships… and won.
The 23-year old member of Chichester Triathlon Club qualified by coming second in her age group at Ironman Wales in September 2025 despite being a newcomer to the sport and it being her first attempt at the gruelling iron-distance event: a 3.8km swim; 180km bike and then a marathon to finish.
The World Championships brings together the best long-distance triathletes from around the world at the end of every season. They gather in Kona, Hawaii, the spiritual home of triathlon, and face the most brutal race conditions – heat, humidity, and relentless crosswinds.
Lily started working one to one with one of CTC’s coaches and continued to benefit from the club sessions, including programmed swims and group rides. She also worked with Tyrese Makasi at Oaks Gym, located at Chichester Rugby Club, to maximise strength and conditioning.
Using the TriDot training platform, Lily worked with consistency and incredible determination for ten months with the goal of finishing under the notoriously challenging ten-hour mark.
From previous year’s results, it was clear that if she could achieve this, a place on the podium would be within reach. As it turned out, Lily hit her target time exactly for the swim (1hr 5min); she paced herself superbly in the heat and wind on the bike to complete that leg 10 minutes inside her goal time (5hr 10min); and then ran a brilliantly controlled marathon in 3hr 30. In doing so, Lily became female World Champion in the 18-24 age group and earned herself an automatic place in the World Championships next year where she will move up an age group and attempt to defend her title.
Reflecting on her incredible victory, a historic one for Chichester, Lily said “I feel incredibly proud to have come away with the world championship title, an ode to exactly how much hard work has gone into the last year.
"I am also really grateful to Shaun (coach) for believing in me, because that belief is exactly what got us here.”
This comes at the pinnacle of an already unbeaten season, Lily winning the overall female race at the Cotswolds 113 by over 20 minutes and finishing first overall female at Ironman 70.3 Vichy. Following in the footsteps of fellow CTC alumni Harry Leleu and Will Grace, Lily now plans to attempt to earn her professional race licence in 2027 ready for the following season and, of course, try to secure back-back victories in Hawaii.
CTC have been providing triathlon in the city for nearly 20 years and numbers continue to thrive from the junior and youth sections through to adults of all ages and experience.
Lily is looking for supporters and sponsors who are keen to embark on this exciting journey into the world of elite sport. If this interests you, please email [email protected]