It's never too late: 80-year-old American woman wins triathlon in Hawaii

In Hawaii, 80-year-old Natalie Grabow successfully completed the "iron distance": swimming 3.9 km, cycling 180 km, and running a 42 km marathon.

Grabow successfully completed the classic distance, which included a 3.8 km swim, 180 km bike ride, and 42.2 km marathon run, clocking 16 hours, 45 minutes, 26 seconds in the F80-84 age category.

Her coach, Michelle Lake, noted not only Grabow's athleticism but also her unique approach to training and competition.

"She studies men in her age group and finds ways to surpass them," said Lake.

This was Grabow's tenth start at the World Championships in Hawaii. A unique aspect of her preparation was that she only began triathlon at age 60, having previously specialized in running events. To qualify for the current championship, she tried out for the Ironman in Maryland, where she clocked 15 hours 53 minutes.

The previous record for longevity among women belonged to Sheri Grunfeld, who was inducted into the Ironman Hall of Fame after winning at age 78.