Kate Waugh breaks records, dominates Singapore T100 triathlon season debut

Britain’s Kate Waugh delivered a jaw-dropping performance in her T100 debut, dominating the 2025 Singapore T100 Triathlon on April 5 to win by a record margin of 6 minutes and 41 seconds. The 26-year-old’s finishing time of 3:45:18 not only secured her the championship and 35 points towards the Race to Qatar standings but also etched her name into the T100 history books with the largest winning margin ever recorded.

In her first-ever mid-distance race, Waugh upset race favorites, including Australian two-time defending Singapore champion Ashleigh Gentle and fellow Briton Lucy Charles-Barclay, who finished third. Austrian wildcard Lisa Perterer made a breakthrough by taking second place, edging out more seasoned T100 veterans.

How the Race Unfolded

From the opening swim in Marina Bay’s warm waters, the action was intense. Charles-Barclay and Jessica Learmonth took the early lead, with Waugh and other key contenders just seconds behind at the first 1km “Aussie exit.” As Learmonth pressed on, Waugh steadily closed the gap during the bike leg, riding just 15 seconds behind at the 25km mark.

At 60km, Learmonth still led, but Waugh remained within striking distance. Flora Duffy and India Lee both dropped out of the race before T2, recording DNFs. Once on the run, Learmonth was quickly overtaken by Waugh, who capitalized on her rival’s leg cramps and surged ahead.

Kate Waugh celebrates her record-breaking win at the 2025 Singapore T100.
Kate Waugh celebrates her record-breaking win at the 2025 Singapore T100.

Waugh steadily extended her lead, crossing the finish line with a smile and wave to the Singapore crowd, visibly emotional after her career-defining win.

Singapore T100 Women’s Top 10 Results

  1. Kate Waugh (GBR) – 3:45:18

  2. Lisa Perterer (AUT) – 3:51:58

  3. Lucy Charles-Barclay (GBR) – 3:53:09

  4. Hannah Berry (NZL) – 3:53:35

  5. Taylor Spivey (USA) – 3:54:39

  6. Ashleigh Gentle (AUS) – 3:55:12

  7. Grace Thek (AUS) – 3:56:42

  8. Amelia Watkinson (NZL) – 3:57:22

  9. Marlene De Boer (NED) – 3:58:28

  10. Megan McDonald (USA) – 4:04:19

Quotes from the Podium

Kate Waugh:

“I’m over the moon. Everything just seemed to go right today. After some really low points last year, this has reignited my love for the sport. The heat was brutal, but I stuck to my game plan and prioritized hydration. I’m just grateful and buzzing.”

Lisa Perterer:

“I came in as a wildcard with no expectations. I just wanted to enjoy the race and do my best. I didn’t do any specific heat prep, but I love the heat and it worked in my favor. This was an incredible experience.”

Lucy Charles-Barclay:

“After a tough 2024, just getting to the start line was a win. I had to fight through leg cramps and sickness, but I’m proud to make the podium. It was brutal, but I wasn’t going to give up.”

The 2025 T100 Triathlon World Tour features nine races plus the championship final in Qatar. Athletes accumulate points throughout the series, with their top four races plus the final counting towards the title. A massive prize pool of over $8 million USD rewards performance and consistency across the season.

The Singapore T100 continues on Sunday with age-group races and the Men’s Pro race scheduled for 3:15 p.m.

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