Schoeman, Van Coevorden conquer IM Lapu-Lapu

MANILA, Philippines — Henri Schoeman rediscovered his winning form in Cebu, overcoming a punishing course before fighting through cramps in the closing run to reclaim the men’s professional crown at the IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu yesterday.

The 34-year-old South African clocked 4:08:52 over the demanding 1.9-km swim, 90-km bike and 21-km run battlefield, returning to the top two years after his breakthrough triumph in the same race presented by Megaworld. He won his first Lapu-Lapu 70.3 in 2024 in 4:02:31.

But this victory carried far more weight for Schoeman, who has endured two difficult years trying to regain the form that once made him one of the world’s elite triathletes.

“This win means so much. I’ve had a really tough two years, struggling to find my form,” said Schoeman, who described the victory as a major confidence boost and a sign that there is still more to come.

While Schoeman celebrated a triumphant return, Australian Olympian Natalie Van Coevorden delivered an equally impressive performance, capturing the women’s professional crown in the race organized by Sunrise Events, Inc., which drew more than 1,400 triathletes from 48 countries, with the majority competing for top honors in various age-group divisions.