Press Release 15th June 2023
Braden Currie is ready to showcase his determination at the upcoming Ironman Asia Pacific Championships in Cairns on Sunday, June 18th. This event has always found its place in Currie’s schedule and for good reason. His connection with the race and the region runs deep, as he cherishes career-highlight moments and the memories created with his family during their time in Cairns. He has a remarkable history on this course, having claimed the title of Asia Pacific Champion twice before and securing two additional podium finishes in previous appearances at Cairns.
Reflecting on his decision to compete in the Ironman Asia Pacific Championships, Currie shared, “I’m excited to return to the race course this weekend. While I had already qualified for the Ironman World Championships in Nice, I believe this race presents an excellent opportunity to test myself and gauge my performance ahead of the World Champs. I’ve had some successful races in Cairns in the past including my fastest Ironman and best Ironman run performance a few years back. I like the course and it’s a great reference point for me and my team. I’m looking to make this one count.”
Currie’s ambitious racing calendar for 2023 includes three Ironman races, with his primary focus set on the Ironman World Championships in Nice, France. Despite the somewhat controversial venue change from Kona, Currie sees this as an opportunity to excel, particularly due to his affinity for the technical aspects of the bike course in Nice.
“Nice is probably a race course better suited for me as I know the technical side of the bike (both ascending and descending) is something I can make the most of. I am excited about mountain climbing in the race and looking ahead, I can spend a lot more time in the hills training with more time climbing than being in the TT position.”
Despite two consecutive podium finishes at the Ironman World Championships in Utah and the Ironman Asia Pacific Champs last year, where Braden Currie demonstrated unwavering focus and physical condition, his preparation for the previous Kona World Championships was marred by a virus that affected him and his family just days before the race. This setback was hugely disappointing for Currie, after three years of cancellations and postponements, which heightened the anticipation of finally competing in Kona. Nevertheless, Currie remains resolute in his belief that the hard work and commitment he has invested over the years will propel him to achieve his best performances yet, on the global stage.
Despite two consecutive podium finishes at the Ironman World Championships in Utah and the Ironman Asia Pacific Champs last year, where Braden Currie demonstrated unwavering focus and physical condition, his preparation for the previous Kona World Championships was marred by a virus that affected him and his family just days before the race. This setback was hugely disappointing for Currie, after three years of cancellations and postponements, which heightened the anticipation of finally competing in Kona. Nevertheless, Currie remains resolute in his belief that the hard work and commitment he has invested over the years will propel him to achieve his best performances yet, on the global stage.
At 37 years old, Currie believes he is at the pinnacle of his mental and physical condition. Recognizing the influx of young talent in the sport, he attributes his continued success to his well-established training and racing philosophy.
Currie’s itinerary for the remainder of the year intends to include the PTO USA Open in August, serving as a crucial lead-up to the World Championships, with focused training blocks in Noosa, USA, Altitude training in Saint Moritz, and extensive course familiarization in Nice.
Known for his tenacity and aggressive racing style, Currie remains committed to lining up on the start line for one reason – to win.
“Overall it’s an exciting time within the sport – there’s so much growth and competition. Choosing my race schedule has not been easy this year. I would like to race everything and many years back I probably would have. But it didn’t work then and I expect it won’t work now. A former coach once asked me which races I hoped to peak for during the year, and my response was “All of them.” While I cannot change my nature as an athlete, I have recognized the need to adapt my schedule accordingly. Now, my focus is on performing at my best during significant races, allowing me to dedicate my training and build solid foundations for those events. I am excited to hopefully participate in my first PTO event en route to Europe”.
Currie’s unwavering mindset, combined with his proven track record of podium finishes, reinforces his position as a strong contender at the Ironman Asia Pacific Championships this weekend. As he takes on the challenging course, Currie aims to add another remarkable achievement to his illustrious career.