2022 Ironman World Champion Chelsea Sodaro is gearing up for her next competition while also advocating for fellow athlete mothers.


Being an elite triathlete like Chelsea requires immense dedication. It involves year-round training for a select number of high-profile races, with the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaiʻi being the pinnacle. This challenging event entails a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a full 26.2-mile marathon, totaling 140 miles of endurance testing.

In her debut at Ironman Kona in 2022, Chelsea excelled, finishing just under 8 hours and 34 minutes, and made history as only the second mother to win in Kona, just 18 months after welcoming her daughter Skylar.

This victory is even more extraordinary given the challenges she faced. On the latest episode of How She Does It, Chelsea shared with Karen Finerman her journey to the top while managing postpartum anxiety and depression. As she readies for the 2025 Ironman World Championship, she aims to create a more supportive environment for new mothers in her sport.

Chelsea Sodaro: From Challenge to Triumph

Chelsea, a former national champion in the 10K and 3,000m, never envisioned herself as a triathlete. After a disappointing outcome at the 2016 Olympic trials, she faced uncertainty about her professional future. “I experienced an existential crisis,” she recalls. When her husband Steve suggested she explore triathlons, she decided to take the plunge.

Transitioning to triathlons, particularly the Ironman 70.3 events, proved to be a game-changing decision. However, just as her career began to flourish, the pandemic struck. At 30, she chose to start a family, planning to return to racing once events resumed.

The Silent Battle Behind the Win

Chelsea's impressive victory at Kona in 2022, along with heartwarming images of her with Steve and their daughter Skylar, concealed her struggles with postpartum anxiety and depression, which hindered her enjoyment of her achievement.

“If I had better support after Skylar was born to help me with breastfeeding issues and early signs of postpartum anxiety, maybe I wouldn’t have endured a serious crisis for two years,” she reflects.

To drive change, she’s launching her first “Unlocking Yes” event, benefiting For All Mothers+, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting women athletes who are mothers through grants, advocacy for policy changes, and providing lactation spaces and childcare at major events.

Rethinking Team Dynamics

While triathlons can feel like solo endeavors, Chelsea credits her success to her support system, including coaches, a physical therapist, a sports psychologist, and others.

“I never anticipated stepping into a leadership role like this,” she admits. “If you’re leading, you must show up with a positive mindset and inspire those around you.”

Steve plays a crucial role, handling equipment logistics and calming her nerves on race day. When childcare became an issue, he shifted from his firefighting career to become a stay-at-home dad, which has significantly contributed to Chelsea’s success.

The Power of Affirmation

Race day presents numerous challenges: discomfort, difficult terrain, and unexpected incidents like getting kicked during the swim.

Chelsea’s mental strategy revolves around a simple mantra: “Yes, yes, yes.” Initially devised to counter her toddler’s frequent “no, no, no,” this affirmation has become central to her racing philosophy. It embodies resilience and perseverance in tough moments.

“Life often presents pivotal choices where we can either embrace the tough path or retreat. I remind myself to challenge myself and say yes when the going gets tough,” she explains.

As she prepares for her fourth Ironman World Championship, Chelsea is committed to maximizing her physical and mental readiness. “I’m eager to see what I can achieve,” she states. “I’ve cherished the journey, and in that sense, I feel like a winner.”