Ironman Frankfurt 2023: Daniela Bleymehl and her title defense project | hessenschau.de

Daniela Bleymehl wants to defend her title at the Ironman in Frankfurt. The competition is big. But the local hero has a special preparation and attitude.

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Daniela Bleymehl makes no secret of the fact that the race on Sunday is not a normal race for her. The Ironman in Frankfurt is “something really special” for the mother of two from Darmstadt, as she explains before the race on Sunday (6.15 a.m., live on hr television and in the stream on hessenschau.de). “This is my home race.” And at the home race, the pressure is always a bit greater, but so is the anticipation. This is no different with lead flour.

“I’m positively excited. The tension and anticipation are very high,” she reports. Of course, suddenly there are people at the edge of the track who you know personally. The “Daniela, Daniela” calls can be heard much louder than at other races throughout the year. The push from outside is noticeably greater. “I have the home field advantage,” says the 34-year-old.

“I could absorb that”

She was able to use it last year. In Frankfurt she was crowned champion in 2022. “I still have the memories of being the first to arrive in Frankfurt. Of course that pushes me extremely,” said Bleymehl about the race a year ago. “Last year it was a special race for me. The comeback year after my second pregnancy was beautiful. I was able to absorb that.”

The goal is the same this year: victory. But the Darmstadt native also knows that the competition is particularly tough this time. Bleymehl is one of the favorites, no doubt, but certainly not the favourite. “There are a few who still have an unfinished business. Of course, I know my competition very well,” says the mother of two.

Competition is well known

In any case, the American Sarah True has an open account, who collapsed in 2019 just around 800 meters from the finish and then had to be treated medically. Skye Moench, who was actually about six minutes behind True, was the winner. Both Americans are also at the start this year.

So the competition is significant. “I don’t want to let the pressure of expectations get so high,” says Bleymehl on the one hand, but also emphasizes immediately afterwards: “Of course it’s my dream and as the defending champion it’s also my goal to win here.” So there is a small declaration of war from the Darmstadt native.

“I’ve done my homework”

And she also makes an announcement to the competition: “I’ve done my homework and if I have a good day, it will be uncomfortable for the others.” Daniela Bleymehl can therefore be expected on Sunday. She has the home field advantage anyway.