A London-based data science remote learning undergrad of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Madras, Renee Noronha (19) is steadily shaping into an endurance sports (triathlon, marathon, ironman races) champion.

 On June 1, she finished her second full Ironman races — a 3.8 km swim, 180 km bicycle ride and a full 42.1 km marathon run — at the Hamburg European Championship 2025 to finish among the Top 15 in her age group. This achievement followed her record-setting debut at a Ironman race in New Zealand on March 2 (2024). It’s noteworthy that Ironman races are widely regarded as the toughest endurance test on planet Earth.

Born and raised in Mumbai by a sports loving family — her sister Tia is the national artistic skating champion — Renee’s entry into endurance sports began at age 16 when she won a children’s Ironman event in Goa. “After spending over a decade as an artistic gymnast, often training up to eight hours daily, I was instantly drawn to the blend of endurance, strategy and mental strength of a triathlon challenge,” recalls this gritty late teen.

Encouraged by supportive parents to “chase her dreams wholeheartedly”, in 2022, Renee started training under the tutelage of certified Ironman coach Shankar Thapa. 

 According to Renee, a supportive home environment and a sensitive, dedicated coach are critical for endurance athletes. “My coach leads by example. Watching him push himself under extreme stress stimulated me to set ever higher goals. However since I moved to London last year with my parents, I manage my schedule which includes nutrition planning, strength workouts, swimming drills, and endurance runs, independently,” says Renee, who also balances her academics with sport by making time to attend late morning online classes.

For the near future, this endurance sports athlete has set her targets. “My goal is to compete in an Ironman race in every continent, qualify for the Ironman World Championship in Kona (Hawaii, USA) in October 2026 and run the iconic Comrades Ultra Marathon (90 km) in South Africa — all before I turn 21. Someday, I hope to start an NGO to financially support and mentor underprivileged girls interested in endurance sports,” says this never-say-die iron woman.

Shivani Chaturvedi (Chennai)