Our first guests of 2026 are familiar names in endurance sport here in Ireland; Rob Cummins and Aisling Coppinger who share with us an honest and inspiring conversation about life, love and longevity in sport.

Owners of Wheelworx, they are well known faces at triathlon and multisport events as both athletes and event support. In this episode, Rob and Aisling reflect on their individual paths into triathlon, from early beginnings as novices to competing on the world stage.

Rob shares his long journey through IRONMAN racing, including early doubts and how his training approach has evolved over time, whilst Aisling shares insight into her transition from running into triathlon and the challenge of overcoming a deep fear of open water swimming.

A key focus of this episode is their 2025 season, where they embraced a whirlwind World Championship Tour that saw them race and support each other at the IRONMAN World Championship in Nice where Rob raced, Kona where Aisling raced and Marbella with both of them racing the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship where their season culminated in the Costa Del Sol.

They offer insight into the demands of each event, from race conditions and strategy to the emotional impact of lining up in Kona. Both Aisling and Rob reflect on what these experiences mean to them beyond results, highlighting gratitude, perspective, enjoyment and the journey to the start and finish line of each race they embraced.

The conversation also explores how they balance commitment to their training with running a successful and busy business whilst maintaining a strong personal relationship. Training together, supporting each other through setbacks and simplifying routines have become central to their approach.

This is a great chat with Aisling and Rob, with reflections on what triathlon has given them and how they look ahead to future races with curiosity rather than pressure, emphasising teamwork, resilience and the importance of enjoying the journey. This renewed energy and perspective on triathlon racing, a far cry from the years of 'Chasing Kona' as detailed in Rob's book published almost a decade ago.

Natalie Grabow made history by becoming the first woman ever to finish the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona at the age of 80, a milestone that stands as a powerful testament to resilience, determination and passion.

Natalie's journey into sport began in a very different era, growing up at a time when opportunities for women in sport were limited. Despite a naturally competitive spirit, it wasn't until later in life that she found her way into endurance sport, first discovering running in her late thirties before taking on triathlon at the age of 59.

In this inspiring episode Natalie reflects on her late start in triathlon, her love for cycling and the mindset that carried her through years of training and competition. She shares insights from her multiple appearances and podium finishes at the Ironman World Championship, including her historic race in Kona this year, where consistency, patience and experience proved just as important as physical strength.

Natalie also speaks openly about the obstacles and challenges she's faced along the way, from managing injuries to balancing the demands of training whilst caring for her husband. With the unwavering support of her family, coach and community, she has continued to show up, race and pursue ambitious goals, continuing to challenge expectations and redefine what's possible in endurance sport.

This episode is a powerful and uplifting reminder that age is not a limitation, that it's never too late to begin something new and that perseverance, passion and consistency can carry us further than we ever imagined. Natalie Grabow's story is one of inspiration, wisdom and perspective and one that will resonate far beyond the world of triathlon and endurance sport.

Norway's Solveig Løvseth made an immediate impact on long-distance racing in 2025, setting the fastest time ever recorded for a female professional on debut at IRONMAN Hamburg, where she finished third in an impressive 8:12:28.

She then went on to take her first IRONMAN win in only her second appearance at the distance, breaking the tape and the course record at IRONMAN Lake Placid. With her sights firmly set on the sport's most iconic race, Solveig arrived in Kona in October and raced with remarkable grace and composure amidst the heat, humidity and pressure she endured.

From the early miles to the final stretch down Aliʻi Drive, she delivered a masterclass in execution, breaking the tape on triathlon's biggest stage to be crowned the 2025 IRONMAN World Champion. In this episode, Solveig takes us through her extraordinary season as we unpack what it truly takes to get to and perform at the highest level of the sport.

Beyond the results, this conversation explores the person behind the athlete. The 2024 Olympian opens up about her early years in sport and the transition from swimming to triathlon, the lessons learned from short-course racing and the patience required to move successfully into middle and long distance events. She also reflects on the loss of her father and how that experience reshaped her perspective on sport, resilience and life, bringing deeper meaning to every opportunity she has to race.

Solveig Løvseth's story shows us that the path to greatness is rarely straightforward. Defined not by obstacles, but by determination, resilience and self-belief, her journey is thoughtful, humble and refreshingly honest, centred on patience, perspective, passion and the importance of carving your own path to success.