Could a New Stroke Help Kat Matthews Conquer Kona?

TOGETHER WITH BLUESEVENTY

Good morning everyone,

In today’s edition, we’re kicking off our Kona content with an interview with one of the race favorites, Kat Matthews! She’s one of the most consistent athletes in the sport, having won the IRONMAN Pro Series and finished 2nd at the World Championships last year.

• In 2025, she already has three wins to her name and is looking to add the biggest one next Saturday!

And if she does win, she may be thanking her new swim stroke 🏊

In today’s edition:

• 🏊 Could a New Stroke Help Kat Matthews Conquer Kona?

• 🧘 How to optimize for your best rest day!

• 🥤 And the best value sports drinks!

-Matt Sharpe, newsletter editor

Have a triathlete in your life who can't stop swimming, biking, or running? Fire this off to them. Forwarded from a friend? Sign-up for free.

TOGETHER WITH BLUESEVENTY

Could a New Stroke Help Kat Matthews Conquer Kona?

With Kona firmly on the horizon, what does training look like right now? And have you made any significant changes ahead of the World Championships?

Currently, I’m in that hazy phase of high training fatigue, planned perfectly for the summer months. My swimming pool at home is closed, so in a nudge out of home comforts, we decided to venture into European altitude, which I’ve had very limited exposure to in the past, and thought “why not”.

At the start of the year, I changed up my coaching structure, bringing in [The] Alex Dowsett to oversee the biking and a bit of general support. Predictably, this has seen me do a lot more riding, which, to be honest, I’ve loved.

• This was prompted, in part, by yet another beating from Taylor Knibb at 70.3 Worlds last year and an obvious need to close that gap on the bike leg.

Other than just swimming a bunch, what technique or training insights have helped you develop into a world-class swimmer?

I wouldn’t say I’m in the realms of ‘world-class swimmer’, but I’m working on it! Hmm, perhaps length and timing mainly. My stroke rate is/was super high, partly because I’m fairly short, but it was clear I could add more length to my stroke.

• Trying to switch to a slightly more catch-up style stroke seems to be progressing this element.

Do you have any specific swim workouts that help you build confidence ahead of big races?

Actually, no, but if my husband Mark had his way, it would be 20-30 x 100m off 1:25 every day! Personally, I get more confidence by feeling a good catch, every stroke connecting with the water, and a body position that allows me to generate momentum.

• This, in turn, does give me a consistent tempo pace over 400-800m reps, which I guess gives me the most confidence!

You partnered with Blueseventy this season - what convinced you they were the right fit?

I’m very fortunate to be in a position where I’ve had the opportunity to choose any brand of swim kit. There was no focus on finances for my choice, due to the parity between the brands here, so honestly, I tried almost every wetsuit and swimskin on the market and picked BlueSeventy for the quality, fit, and speed I felt. 

What Blueseventy gear will you be trusting on race day in Kona?

The new PZ5 women’s swim skin and the NR2 goggles. 

Outcome goals aside, what will a well-executed race day in Kona look like to you?

Every good race starts with a good swim. So, hopefully, I make a pack that people are surprised to see me in. Then a solo ride, either catching or holding the front of the race, and “just” run my heart out in the heat!

Want to swim like a future World Champion? Save 20% on all Blueseventy gear with code TEMPO20 at checkout!

HEADLINES

Governing Body or Gang? World Triathlon’s Election Scandal Deepens

In a recent interview published in Triathlete Magazine, Triathlon Canada President Peter McCrory revealed that officials coerced him to change his vote during last year's World Triathlon Presidential Elections.

• In the interview, McCrory slams World Triathlon for its “Mafia-like culture” following the “rigged” elections.

According to McCrory, if World Triathlon wants to be seen as a leader within the sporting community, it must suspend or remove corrupt leadership, which includes the recently elected President, Antonio Arimany.

Tempo’s take: This scandal just won’t go away for World Triathlon. And the timing, right before their biggest event of the year - The Championship Finals - puts an unwanted spotlight on the embattled organization.

It’s clear there was coercion - it was confirmed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The real question now is whether Arimany will step aside or continue his tenure as a tainted leader.

Why did he and his brass feel the need to pressure the electors? Was his vision for the future of the organization not strong enough to inspire votes? That also creates concern.

World Triathlon is struggling financially and is in a volatile relationship with the T100. They need strong leadership with a clear vision. At the moment, it appears they have neither.

IRONMAN’s Slot Allocation Sees Early Stumbles

In a post on Instagram from Women in Tri UK, the authors published an analysis of the first 11 races under IRONMAN’s new performance-based World Championship slot allocation. The findings detail how:

• Women’s participation is holding steady at 16% when comparing 2024 and 2025.

• Women have received nearly 26% of the World Championship slots - almost identical to the previous model.

• Age Group Winner slots are balanced, but performance slots are overwhelmingly going to men.

Although it may seem like a blow to the new system, one of the post’s top comments suggests the discrepancy in performance slot allocations could be due to an absence of world-class female athletes who are focusing on the upcoming IRONMAN World Championships in Kona.

After Protest, Meissner Reclaims European Crown

After a dramatic finish at the IRONMAN 70.3 European Championships resulted in controversy and protest, the original winner, Lena Meissner (GER) has been reinstated as the European Champion.

• The reason? Two legal errors were committed by Ironman’s jury, as explained in this article.

FAVORITES

💓 Zone 2 for you: You’ve been told Zone 2 training is crucial for your endurance performance and longevity. But how do you actually know when you’re actually in Zone 2? Is it heart rate? Lactate? Something else that ends in “ate”? According to this video, the answer is quite simple! [Peter Attia]

🥤 Best value sports drink: There are plenty of sports drink mix options available, and with an astonishing range of carbs, electrolytes, or both! But which one truly is the best value? Save your money by reading this insightful sports drink mix industry report! [Carbs Fuel]

🧘 Righteous rest days: Thinking about skipping your rest day? You might want to skip that thought! Without proper rest, your risk of injury rises, your immune system weakens, and you miss out on real performance gains. But how do you optimize for your best recovery day? Find out here! [TrainingPeaks]

🏃 Pre-work boost: Not a morning athlete? You might want to be! Even short bursts of aerobic training can sharpen your focus before work. It’s all thanks to increased blood flow to your brain. But why do the bursts in neurotransmitters help improve your memory and attention? Find out here. [Lifehacker]

⚖️ Zwift justice: Zwift is suing Garmin? Yes, you heard that right. But why are these two heavyweights about to head to court? And is it really worth the six-figure legal fees? This article explains! [DC Rainmaker]

REEL TIME

For endurance athletes? Not quite!

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TEMPO TALKS PODCAST

Why the World Triathlon Election Scandal Could Upend the Sport

A swim drill to help you nail your rhythm. And how poor air quality can lurk in plain sight - ruining your training!

All this and more in the latest episode of the Tempo Talks Podcast!

Together with The TriDoc, we bring you the biggest stories in Triathlon,

• Training tips to make you faster,

• And breakdowns of the latest in sports science and performance!

Don’t miss a moment; listen to Tempo Talks on Apple, Spotify, and more!

QUICK NEWS

Iconic athlete: Cherie Gruenfeld, a 14-time age group World Champion, is set to become the latest addition to the IRONMAN Hall of Fame. [Triathlon Magazine]

Azerbaijan arrives: Baku hosts the presentation ceremony ahead of the very first 70.3 event in Azerbaijan. [Azertag]

Augusta extends: IRONMAN 70.3 Augusta will continue for another five years as the popular race is extended through 2030! [Sports Travel Magazine]

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