IRONMAN Kona 2024: French star WILL NOW RACE after major Hawaii U-turn

French star Arthur Horseau WILL line up for Saturday’s IRONMAN World Championship in Kona after all.

Less than one week ago Arthur had announced the “heartbreaking” decision to pull out of the showpiece event, suffering from pure exhaustion after a 2024 season full of physical and mental challenges.

It was the saddest of news for a man who had finished sixth in Nice last year and had hoped to line up once again alongside friend, training partner, compatriot and defending champion Sam Laidlow.

Horseau opens up on challenges

But a few short days away from the pressure and intensity that a Kona build was meaning for Arthur, the clouds were lifting – both physically and mentally. And on Tuesday he announced that he would after all be on the start line this Saturday.

He revealed some of the pain he has suffered in a heartfelt Instagram post, writing: “It’s been several years that I’ve been going through difficult times, alternating between highs and deep lows. Since the end of last year, darkness has taken up a bit more space in my daily life.

“Depression set in, making me doubt everything, including myself. It’s a complex internal struggle, manifesting as both psychological and physical distress. Yet, what has kept me going is the desire to succeed and the support of those around me.

“I came to Hawai’i full of ambition, and this race represented that light at the end of the tunnel for me. But over time, that tunnel grew longer, and the pressure I put to myself intensified.

“So, I took a step back – a week on the other side of the island, away from everything, to make peace with myself. Without training, I felt my body recovering and that maybe, it was ready. Ready to try, to take on this legendary race that has always been a dream of mine. To live without regrets.

Arthur Horseau WILL race IRONMAN Kona this Saturday [Photo credit: James Mitchell / Club La Santa IRONMAN Lanzarote]

No hiding behind excuses

“So, this Saturday, I won’t hide behind excuses. I want to move forward, to keep going. Turn the page, without erasing this chapter of my life, because it is shaping who I am. Putting words to depression, talking about it, is essential. Because it’s a path filled with obstacles that lead us to overcoming it.

“I will fight, for myself, but also for all those who support me, because after the storm and the darkness, there is always light, as long as we keep moving forward.”

Mahalo 🌺