Ironman World Championship 2023 Results: Frenchman Sam Laidlow Wins First-Ever Title on Home Soil

jim cissel September 18, 2023

Ironman World Championship 2023 Results: Frenchman Sam Laidlow Wins First-Ever Title on Home Soil

2023 Ironman World Championship being held for the first time in Nice was an absolutely thrilling journey. We're proud and excited to have been a part of this amazing event. Here’s is a quick recap of the most exciting moments from the championships and race results.  

 

Sam Laidlow - A new champion 

Frenchman Sam Laidlow, at just 24 years old, secured his first-ever Ironman world title (clocking at 8:06:22) competing on home soil. This tremendous win also makes him the youngest male winner of the Ironman World Championships.
His previous bests were second at Kona 2022 and second at Ironman UK in 2021.
Sam Laidlow winning moments and after race shots

The Swim …

The race began with a non-wetsuit swim in the clear waters of the Côte d’Azur. Jan Frodeno (in his final race) started strong, but Braden Currie took the lead. The athletes navigated through the first leg, but it was Sam Laidlow who seized the lead by 30 seconds.
swim shots at ironman nice championships

Savage Bike

Laidlow and Clement Mignon engaged in a titanic struggle, battling up the challenging Col de l’Ecre climb. Behind them, Magnus Ditlev and Bradley Weiss demonstrated incredible determination. Meanwhile, Frodeno faced difficulties, and the field began to spread out.
 
Laidlow barreled into T2 with a bike split of 4:31:28 and a lead of more than five minutes over the following chasers Von Berg and Ditlev
Biking up the hill? Picture from ironman championships competing for the title

Marathon Sprint to Finish Line

Laidlow transitioned to the marathon with a lead of over five minutes. The scorching Promenade des Anglais awaited the runners. Laidlow maintained his strong pace, aware that the talented runners behind him, including Patrick Lange, were gaining ground.

Lange's relentless pursuit saw him move into second place, but Laidlow was determined. With an overall time of 8:06:22, Sam Laidlow secured his maiden Ironman victory, capping a remarkable journey.

 

 

Celebrating Our Champions

  • Sam Laidlow expressed his disbelief and gratitude for the victory.
  • Patrick Lange, with a superb run, secured second place.
  • Magnus Ditlev rounded out the podium in third place.
  • In fourth place, Rudy Von Berg emerged as the top male American.
  • Jan Frodeno, in his farewell race, crossed the finish line with a smile, concluding an illustrious career.

 

French athletes did great, with several finishing in the top 15.

 

Jon Fredeno celebreates with his family as he completes his last race

 

 

Here’s the Top Finisher list for Men’s 2023 Ironman World Championship

 

Top Finisher list for Men’s 2023 Ironman World Championship

 

Patrick Lange praised Laidlow's unwavering determination, acknowledging the immense effort it took to catch him.
 
As we celebrate this exceptional event, we also anticipate the future of Ironman racing. With new talents emerging and legends retiring, the Ironman World Championship continues to be a captivating journey.
  

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James Cissel

James Cissel

CEO, Avid Triathlete

Meet our blog writer and CEO, a true triathlon enthusiast who leads by example. With a personal best of 9 hours and 15 minutes in an Ironman and 9 full-distance Ironman finishes under his belt, he’s as dedicated to the sport as it gets. He didn’t come from an endurance sport background—it wasn’t god-given talent, but rather dedication and hard work that got him to this level. A passionate advocate for optimal nutrition, he’s focused not just on performance but on a healthy, balanced lifestyle. As a father of two boys and a husband, he knows the importance of juggling family, business, and endurance training—and his insights reflect that balance.