In 2019, a civil engineer from Thane, Maharashtra, defied age and adversity to become a triathlon champion. Now, Smithaa Kajaale celebrated her 50th birthday by completing the gruelling Ironman Western Australia triathlon in Busselton, marking another remarkable milestone in her inspiring journey.
The Ironman Western Australia event took place on Sunday, 1 December 2024 – where competitors swim 3.8km, ride 180km on a bike, and run 42.2km in a full-distance triathlon. About 3,500 athletes signed up for the 20th anniversary of the race, including many who arrived from different countries to compete.
Known for her resilience, Smithaa’s journey from gym workouts to winning cycling events and ultimately embracing the world of triathlons is a testament to her determination.
Smithaa shared in an Instagram post, “From my Olympic distance triathlon to crossing the Ironman finish line, this journey has been nothing short of incredible.”
“It wasn’t easy – juggling a hectic lifestyle with a job and home to manage, countless hours of training, sweat, discipline, and determination. But all of that led me to this moment. Pushing past every limit, I transformed not just my body, but my mindset, proving to myself that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.”
Married at 18 and a mother by 19, Smithaa’s early life was filled with responsibilities, leaving little time for fitness. She only started exercising in her 30s, initially taking up brisk walks, which eventually led her to the gym at age 40, inspired by her elder son. However, it was her younger son, Saurabh, who ignited her passion for cycling after winning a gold medal at the national time trial in 2017.
In 2019, Smithaa made the leap into triathlons, taking part in the Kolhapur Triathlon and securing 3rd place despite facing the challenge of open water swimming. That same year, she also clinched 2nd place at the Tigerman Triathlon in Nagpur, proving that her fitness journey was no passing hobby but a serious commitment.
Her path wasn’t without obstacles, though. As Smithaa entered the menopausal phase, she faced significant health challenges, including extreme fatigue and bleeding, which affected her training. Undeterred, she pushed through, even opting for an IV blood transfusion to raise her haemoglobin levels in time for the races.
Smithaa’s Ironman journey in the 50-55 age category culminated in the 2024 Ironman Western Australia event, where she swam 3.8km, biked 180km, and ran a full marathon of 42.2km in a grueling 16 hours and 39 minutes.
Smithaa’s victory was not just personal; it symbolised a triumph over life’s obstacles, a nod to her journey from a time-starved mother to an international triathlon finisher. Now, as a proud ‘Ironman,’ Smithaa plans to continue competing and training, with sights set on future races like the Ironman 70.3.
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