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 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.
MISSION
In her short career, Chelsea Sodaro has quickly ascended to the top of levels of elite triathlon.
A runner by background, Chelsea was an All-American at UC Berkeley and ran professionally after graduation. She is a two-time national champion (2012 Road 10k and 2013 Indoor 3k) with PRs of 4:30.18 in the mile, 8:47.34 in the 3k, 15:10.14 in the 5K and 32:05.84 in the 10k. After a disappointing race at the 2016 Olympic Trials on the track, Chelsea turned her focus to triathlon – a sport she had followed for some time. In her first professional season, she won the 2018 Huatulco ITU World Cup, firmly establishing herself as an up-and-comer on the ITU circuit.
Despite this success, Chelsea felt that her strengths were better suited for longer distance races. In the summer of 2018, she moved from a short course focus into long course racing. At her first 70.3 in November 2018 she placed on the podium, and followed that up with a win at Ironman 70.3 Indian Wells just a few weeks later. In July, she convincingly won the 2019 Ironman 70.3 Santa Rosa, where her 1:16 run split remains as one of the fastest splits in the world in 2019. At the Ironman 2019 70.3 Championships (and only her 4th 70.3), Chelsea finished as the top American in fourth place. She has since followed that up with two additional 70.3 wins, including becoming the 2019 South American 70.3 Champion.
Chelsea has a competitive swim and bike, and is emerging as the best runner in the sport. In 2018 Chelsea was signed to Team BMC-Vifit. She lives and trains in Marin County, California.
PASSION
I feel most at home outside, especially in the outdoor playground of Marin County. I love to hike and paddle board, followed up with a stop at my favorite bakery. The best days are those spent cooking and sharing a great meal with friends. My Dad is from Boston, so I grew up a big Red Sox and Patriots fan. I’m the proud owner of an 8-year old Boxer dog named, Tyson. I love fanny packs, and I’ve been known to randomly bust out flossing on bike rides.
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 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.
