For Victoria Nelson, the journey to the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona didn’t begin with a finish line in mind. It began in Clermont with borrowed bicycles, early-morning practices and a village of mentors who recognized her potential long before she could fully see it herself.

“Being able to live and train in what many consider the triathlon capital of the world has been nothing short of amazing,” Victoria says. “With the ability to train year-round and access to challenging hills, this environment helped shape my journey in ways I could have never imagined.”

As a child, Victoria gravitated toward dance, gymnastics and cheerleading, activities that felt natural and familiar. Everything changed when a friend introduced her to a cycling group through the Police Athletic League (PAL).

Through PAL, Victoria learned more than how to ride. The program emphasized responsibility, safety and accountability. Participants learned to maintain their bikes, discussed road rules and drug awareness, attended Sheriff’s Camp and even toured the local jail in Tavares.

“The program was led by a deputy who quickly became a mentor I deeply respected and still look up to today,” Victoria says of Tom Brown. “I never wanted to disappoint him.”

Her siblings joined, friendships formed and weekends were filled with long rides and shared experiences. As the group advanced, Victoria transitioned into other programs, including AAA Tri Team and the Orlando Road Club, where cycling expanded into swimming and running. A family of triathletes introduced her to the full scope of the sport.

“I quickly fell in love with triathlon,” she says. “I loved all three disciplines.”

At just 13 years old, Victoria took a leap that would define her future. She approached professional triathlete Sara McLarty and asked to be coached. Against convention, Sara said yes and allowed Victoria to join a masters swim group that met at 6am three days a week.

“I never missed a practice,” Victoria says.

Through Swim Like a Pro (SLAP) and Speed Multisport, Victoria was immersed in a community of athletes chasing a shared dream of qualifying for the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona. Watching those athletes compete planted a goal that would take years to realize.

Before college, Victoria asked Sara if she could compete in an IRONMAN. The answer was, “After college.”

So she waited. Then she returned with purpose.

After college, Victoria raced three full IRONMAN events: Cozumel, Chattanooga and finally Kona on Oct. 11, 2025.

“Triathlon is more than just swimming, biking and running,” she says. “It’s nutrition, mental strength and resilience. If you don’t fuel properly or lack mental capacity, you won’t finish. You may not even make it through the training.”

Balancing training with a full-time job and life responsibilities pushed Victoria to her limits. The support of coaches and friends made the difference, particularly Eric Brewer, who joined her for countless long rides often starting at 3am.

“Without him, I would never have completed the extent of the bike training required,” Victoria says.

Emotions ran high as Kona approached. There were moments of doubt, tears and exhaustion, but also moments of clarity.

“I didn’t come this far to just walk away,” she says.  “I didn’t care how I had to get there. I just knew I had to get to the start line and see what happened.”

Once the race began, she relied on the same discipline that carried her through years of training. She made it through with steady pacing, intentional fueling and a refusal to let her mind spiral when her body began to hurt. 

Exhaustion had set in by the time Victoria reached the final miles. Every early morning practice, every long ride in the dark and every person who had poured into her journey replayed in her mind. Crossing the finish line wasn’t just the end of a race, it was the culmination of a childhood dream.

Emotions flooded in at once. There was relief, gratitude and disbelief that the moment had finally arrived. The medal around her neck represented far more than 140.6 miles. It was proof that she endured, that she didn’t quit when it would have been easier to walk away and most of all, that she was never truly alone on the road to Kona.

Victoria is quick to credit the people who stood beside her, including her parents, Eric Williams, mentors, coaches, teammates and coworkers who supported her through the hardest days.

“I had, and still have, a village that I hope every child gets to experience,” she says. “This journey was never mine alone, and for that, I am forever grateful.” 

Photos: Cindy Peterson