IIT Madras' Renee Noronha is youngest Indian woman to finish two Ironman races

India Today

14-07-2025

When she crossed the finish line at the Ironman European Championship in Hamburg, holding the Indian flag high as the words 'You are an Ironman' echoed around her, it was more than a personal victory. For the 18-year-old Data Science student from IIT Madras, it was the realisation of a dream she had chased since the age of 16 — to become the world's youngest Ironman and India's youngest female Ironman.advertisement'I had no prior experience in swimming or road cycling when I signed up,' she says. 'But I was driven by a passion for challenge and the excitement of pushing beyond my limits.' At just 18 years, 1 month, and 20 days, she achieved her goal, a feat of grit and determination.FROM GYMNASTICS MAT TO IRONMAN FINISH LINEA former artistic gymnast, her transition to triathlons wasn't easy, but it was deliberate. 'Gymnastics gave me a strong foundation of discipline, balance, and mental resilience,' she explains. 'While the sports are very different, the focus and strength carried over and helped me tackle swimming, cycling, and running with confidence.' It's a journey, she says, that brings alive the Ironman slogan: 'Anything is Possible.'IRONMAN TRAINING MEETS IIT MADRAS RIGOUR
Managing Ironman-level training alongside the academic rigour of IIT Madras is no small feat. Adding to that, she's simultaneously pursuing a Sports Science diploma at Carshalton College, London. Her secret? 'Intense discipline, structure, and time management. I plan my days carefully—training before or after lectures, using weekends for long rides, runs, and brick sessions. I always aim to stay ahead in coursework to manage both effectively.'She credits her gymnastics background for helping her manage pressure: 'Goal-setting, resilience, and mental toughness are second nature now. They help me stay on top of both academics and training.'
20 HOURS A WEEK OF PEAK DISCIPLINEDuring peak preparation, her schedule is relentless—15 to 20 hours of training spread over six days, starting at 5:15 am. 'Swims, rides, runs, brick workouts, strength or mobility work—each day has a purpose,' she says. Her weekends are booked with long rides and runs. But recovery, she insists, is just as important. 'I prioritise sleep, nutrition, stretching, and mindfulness. Rest days are when I study more intensively to stay balanced.'SHAVING OFF 2.5 HOURS BETWEEN RACESFrom her first Ironman in New Zealand to her most recent in Hamburg, she cut down her timing by over two hours in just 15 months. What changed? 'I became more strategic and data-driven,' she says. 'I tracked every session, focused on strength work, and refined my recovery and nutrition.' Despite battling thunderstorms, lightning, and rain in both races, her discipline paid off. 'With ideal weather, I could have improved by 3.5 to 4 hours,' she believes. Much of this progress, she credits to her coach, Shanker Thappa.advertisementIronman Hamburg threw everything at her — hailstorms, cold winds, and heavy rain, especially during the final 20 km of the cycling segment. 'It was brutal,' she recalls. 'I had to rely on mental resilience, focus on my breath, and just keep moving. Seeing the Indian flag and hearing the crowd kept me going.'
LEARNING FROM DOUBT AND SETBACKSThere have been moments of doubt—injuries, burnout, academic pressure. But she's found a way through: 'I break down big goals into small, manageable ones. Tracking my improvements keeps me motivated.' Her support system—family, coaches, friends, and her institution—has been instrumental. 'Patience, persistence, and a positive mindset help me push through setbacks in both sport and studies.'Her mission goes beyond medals and titles. She wants more girls to believe in their potential. 'If you're unsure of your limits, know that your potential is much greater than you think. Start small, celebrate milestones, and stay consistent,' she says. 'Every challenge is an opportunity to grow. No dream is too big, no limit too great.'advertisementWHAT'S NEXT: FROM KONA TO COMRADESHer short-term goals include participating in Ironman races across all continents and qualifying for the Ironman World Championship in Kona and the Comrades Marathon in South Africa—all before she graduates. Academically, she plans to pursue an integrated PhD in mathematics and quantitative research. 'I want to contribute to both academia and industry through innovation and research.'
Eventually, she dreams of setting up an NGO to promote endurance sports amongst women in India. 'I want to help other girls realise they can chase their dreams too. Because true growth begins the moment you decide to try.'- Ends