From knee surgery to Kona, the Lebanese triathlete turns a personal comeback into national sporting history.
Historic Qualification for Kona
Lebanese triathlete Tonya Makary has qualified for the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, becoming the first Lebanese woman to reach the sport’s most prestigious start line. Her performance at Ironman South Africa in Port Elizabeth, where she conquered the full-distance swim, bike, and marathon run, secured her slot for the October 2025 race.
From Surgery to the World Stage
Makary’s journey began in 2020 after knee surgery, when she chose to rebuild through structured triathlon training under coach Joao Arteche. What started as rehabilitation evolved into a full commitment to long-distance racing, balancing demanding training blocks with the logistical challenges of preparing from Lebanon.
Breaking Barriers for Lebanese Women
Her qualification is a landmark for Lebanese women in sport, proving that athletes from a small, crisis-hit country can target and achieve one of the toughest endurance goals in the world. For young runners, cyclists. and swimmers across Lebanon, Makary’s path to Kona offers a powerful template for what is possible.
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