British Ironman Athlete Connects With Tulsa YWCA To Train Before The Race

The Tulsa YWCA got to connect with a woman from England to help her train for the Ironman race this weekend.

Friday, May 21st 2021, 5:19 pm

By: Matt Rahn

TULSA, Oklahoma -

Athletes from around the world are in Tulsa to participate in the Ironman Triathlon. One athlete from England connected with the Tulsa YWCA to stay in tip top shape before the race.

Tara Grosvenor has spent months training for the Ironman: running, biking, and of course, swimming.

"I'm not going to lie, it’s been very, very tough training in all conditions, there's been some really difficult sessions," said Grosvenor.

She's been in Tulsa for about a week, squeezing in a few more training sessions before race day. She said finding the local YWCA has been a big help.

"What really stood out to me was that when I contacted the center, the staff was so friendly and able to help me and willing to accept me into the community center to allow me to train in the lead up to the event," said Grosvenor.

For professional athletes like Grosvenor, staying fit before a race this big is vital. Tulsa YWCA CEO Julie Davis said she's honored to help out.

"I am absolutely in awe of all of the athletes who are preparing for this weekend's competition and the lengths to which they'll go," said Davis.

Davis said part of YWCA's mission is to empower women, and what's more empowering than a triathlon?

"To have this opportunity to empower Tara as she is preparing for one of the most challenging athletic feats in the world is exciting to see," said Davis.

Grosvenor said this will be her fifth Ironman. She's excited for Tulsa's competition because it's the North American Championship, which means she'll be up against roughly 100 other pros on Sunday.

"As a new professional, it's a really great opportunity to test myself against some of the best athletes, there's two world champions that are going to be here this weekend so that's really exciting to line up next to them," said Grosvenor.

Grosvenor said because of COVID-19 restrictions, she traveled to Tulsa by herself, but she said come race day, her friends and family back home will be keeping tabs on her with the Ironman Tracker App.