When Sara Svensk lines up in Kona this year, she carries more than just months of training in her legs. She carries years of setbacks, heartbreaks, and a burning desire to finally finish what she started.
From Doctor to Pro Triathlete
Before triathlon became her full-time profession, Sara was a medical doctor in Sweden. Drawn to the outdoors and the challenge of testing her limits, she quickly discovered that triathlon was more than just a sport it was a way of becoming her best self.
Her breakthrough came in 2019 at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships in Nice, where she finished 10th with the fastest run split of the day. Weeks later, she won IRONMAN Barcelona in record time, proving to herself she belonged among the world’s best.
When Sport Meets Setbacks
But Sara’s path has been anything but straightforward. In 2021, she faced one of the toughest battles of her life: a heart condition caused by post-viral complications. At times, she didn’t know if she would ever be able to compete or even run for fun again.
Just two years later, she endured another storm: a stress fracture missed by doctors, compounded by a difficult breakup and losing her home base. Preparing for Kona during that time, Sara admits, was one of the darkest periods of her life.
What got her through? A simple focus on what she could do each day, leaning on her support system, and celebrating small victories.
The Mental Game of Recovery
Sara believes that recovery from injury is more mental than physical. Doubts creep in: Will I ever run the same? Will the next step set me back again?
That’s where tools like the LEVER system have become game-changing for her. By offloading stress on her body, Sara can safely build mileage and speed without the fear of re-injury. “LEVER gives me confidence that I’ll have the durability to perform on race day without harming my body,” she says.
Kona: A Race of Redemption
Sara’s history with Kona has been brutal:
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First attempt: Sacral stress fracture forced her to drop out mid-race.
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Second attempt: Plantar fasciitis sidelined her while running in 5th position.
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Third attempt: Coming off injury, she finished — but far from her potential, leaving her “ashamed” of her performance.
Now, as she returns once more, she admits she feels both fear and excitement. Fear of history repeating itself. Excitement for the chance to finally show what she’s capable of on triathlon’s biggest stage.
“This year, I’ve changed my approach,” Sara explains. “I trained consistently at home in Germany, avoided massive overload weeks, and will arrive in Kona with enough time to adapt but without burning myself out.”
Unfinished Business
For Sara, Kona represents more than a race. It’s a test of resilience, gratitude, and unfinished dreams.
“I know I can do so much better,” she says. “This year, I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got.”
🎥 Watch Sara’s Full Story
Experience Sara’s journey in her own words in the first episode of our YouTube series: Unfinished Business: The Road to Kona.
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