Lucy Charles-Barclay on winning Ironman World Championship in Kona

Lucy Charles-Barclay (centre) celebrates her Ironman world title alongside second-placed Anne Haug (left) and Laura Philipp (right) in third

"I've always felt like the bridesmaid at the World Championship."

As Britain's Lucy Charles-Barclay crossed the line in Hawaii to become Ironman world champion on Sunday, her days as a runner-up were finally over.

"It was definitely all worth it," Charles-Barclay tells BBC Sport. "Running up to that finish line, I've done it five times and four times before I was in second place, so I didn't get to grab that tape.

"This time I was running up to the line and I didn't even slow down. All I was focusing on was getting that tape, and it was amazing to do it.

"It really does feel like I've almost dedicated my career to try and win this race."

Not only did Charles-Barclay win the inaugural women's-only world title - the 2023 men's event took play in Nice, France, in September - but she set a course record of eight hours 24 minutes 31 seconds.

Her time was 1min 47secs faster than the previous record set by five-time winner Daniela Ryf of Switzerland in 2018.

Charles-Barclay, from Hertfordshire, also became the first woman to lead the event from start to finish.

The Ironman course in Kona may take in captivating views and crystal-clear waters, but the race offers some of the most demanding conditions.

The 2.4-mile swim in Kailua Bay, which takes place against the backdrop of the active volcano Hualalai, is followed by 112 miles fighting strong winds and steep climbs on the bike, then a 26.2-mile run in sweltering heat.

Charles-Barclay finished second in Kona in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022, although she did win the Ironman 70.3 World Championship (half Ironman) in 2021.

While the 30-year-old says she is "completely over the moon" with her maiden victory, the road to Ironman glory has featured potholes in the form of "two pretty bad injuries".

She fractured a hip last year and broke a bone in her foot while racing in Germany in May.

"I didn't know if I would come back in good enough shape to win the race, so I really did put everything into my recovery," Charles-Barclay says.

"One of the really hard things I found was trying to trust my body again - that it wasn't going to break on me.

"It was really hard to believe I could win this race this year - and I still can't believe I managed to pull it off."

Charles-Barclay finished 3mins 2secs ahead of Haug, with Philipp a further 5mins 22secs back in third

'I thought my race might unravel'

A former elite swimmer, Charles-Barclay led a field containing 2019 champion Anne Haug and Ironman world record holder Laura Philipp in the swim and stretched her advantage to three minutes over 70.3 world champion Taylor Knibb on the bike.

"From the moment the gun went, I felt great," Charles-Barclay says. "I had about 90 seconds on the next group of women out of the water, so it was the perfect start.

"I got on to the bike and felt really in control. I felt solid. I knew I was growing the time gaps and I couldn't believe it when I found out after the race that I'd done the fastest bike bit of the day.

"Getting on to the marathon, I was in a lot of pain from the very beginning.

"I had a calf strain one week out from the race, and on mile one my calf was in a lot of pain. I really thought my race might unravel.

"Even though I had a 10- or 12-minute lead, I knew if I started walking that was going to be game over and maybe I would be second again - or maybe I wouldn't even finish.

"I really had to be mentally strong and know that no amount of pain was going to be worse than not winning this race."

Cheered home by her husband - fellow triathlete Reece - and sister Holly, Charles-Barclay completed the marathon in 2hrs 57mins 38secs, the fastest of her career.

"I don't think there were many dry eyes at that finish line," she says. "I feel like the whole triathlon community was willing me on to win that race.

"Seeing the journey as I've documented it, they all feel like they have been part of it, so it was so special to feel like everyone was so happy for me. It was a really special moment.

"I almost feel like I can enjoy racing more, maybe set some different goals and have a bit of fun with some shorter-distance racing.

"There's also the middle-distance racing, which I love. I was the 70.3 champion in 2021, so I'm excited now for what the future holds."