ABOUT
Ironman World Champion and Passionate Mother
Chelsea Sodaro is an American professional triathlete and Ironman World Champion who made history in 2022 by winning the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii—just 18 months after giving birth to her daughter, Skye (born in 2021). She was born in San Luis Obispo, California and is currently living in Colorado with her husband Steve and daughter Skye. She is currently coached by Neal Henderson.
She is a former All-American runner at UC Berkeley, Sodaro first rose to prominence in track and road racing, winning national titles in the 10K and 3,000m before transitioning to triathlon in 2017. Her rise in the sport included multiple 70.3 victories and a breakout Ironman debut in Hamburg. In Kona, she became the first American woman in 26 years—and only the second mother ever—to win the prestigious title, clocking an impressive 8:33:46. Known for her grit, humility, and advocacy for athlete-mothers, Sodaro continues to inspire as both a world-class competitor and a vocal supporter of maternal rights in elite sport, recently adding an Ironman New Zealand win and a podium finish at the 2024 World Championship in Nice to her growing legacy.
Goals
Chelsea has big racing ambitions — she aims to contend at the very pointiest end in every race that she enters. Her ultimate goal is to reach maximize her talent and reach her potential in triathlon. In the meantime, she’s committed to the process of becoming a master on the bike and improving her open water swimming. With her running background, Chelsea is confident that she has what it takes on the run if she’s able to put herself in position when it matters most.
Attitude
She made history by winning the 2022 Ironman World Championship in Kona just 18 months after giving birth to her daughter Skye, becoming the first American woman to do so in 26 years.
Focus
Chelsea is actively immersed in her local triathlon community in Colorado, volunteering with IronKids at many of her races as well as working and with local track programs. She is committed to spreading the word about the importance of
sport and movement.
Hard Work
Chelsea loves the process and all of the details that go into showing up at her best on the days when it matters most. While she’s most inspired by the biggest stages in the sport, she’s equally passionate about pushing her own limits and finding out what’s possible every day in training.
