39-year-old Michellie Jones will race in her home country (Australia) for the first time since her controversial omission from the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Jones has confirmed that she will line up in April's Ironman Australian Triathlon at Port Macquarie.
According to the Heraldsun.com:
"In a major coup for the multi-endurance race, the two-time Olympic distance world champion, Sydney Olympic silver medalist and 2006 Hawaii Ironman champion has confirmed herself as a starter on April 5.
Jones, 39, said she wanted to "lay it on the line" in her debut in the event.
Organizers also hope to lure reigning Hawaii champion Briton Chrissie Wellington to the New South Wales coastal town.
Jones, who is based in the US, said she would use the event to kick off her assault on a second Hawaii Ironman title in October.
"I always wanted to do an Ironman in Australia before I retire, so I thought in 2009 it would be a great way to start my season, racing in Australia," Jones said.
"Plus it will be great for my family and friends to watch me compete in a Ironman. My mum still thinks it is crazy. Actually, so do I.
"I plan to end my season with Ironman Hawaii so the Australian Ironman will be a great way to evaluate where I am at physically. It is also great motivation to know you have a goal after all your winter-base training."
After becoming the first Australian woman to win the 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km run Hawaii Ironman, Jones has been dogged by injury and illness, clearing the way for Wellington's domination."
Jones has confirmed that she will line up in April's Ironman Australian Triathlon at Port Macquarie.
According to the Heraldsun.com:
"In a major coup for the multi-endurance race, the two-time Olympic distance world champion, Sydney Olympic silver medalist and 2006 Hawaii Ironman champion has confirmed herself as a starter on April 5.
Jones, 39, said she wanted to "lay it on the line" in her debut in the event.
Organizers also hope to lure reigning Hawaii champion Briton Chrissie Wellington to the New South Wales coastal town.
Jones, who is based in the US, said she would use the event to kick off her assault on a second Hawaii Ironman title in October.
"I always wanted to do an Ironman in Australia before I retire, so I thought in 2009 it would be a great way to start my season, racing in Australia," Jones said.
"Plus it will be great for my family and friends to watch me compete in a Ironman. My mum still thinks it is crazy. Actually, so do I.
"I plan to end my season with Ironman Hawaii so the Australian Ironman will be a great way to evaluate where I am at physically. It is also great motivation to know you have a goal after all your winter-base training."
After becoming the first Australian woman to win the 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km run Hawaii Ironman, Jones has been dogged by injury and illness, clearing the way for Wellington's domination."