Fuelling for success

After finishing fourth at the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, ANZCO Foods ambassador Hannah Berry reflects on how consistency, resilience, and good nutrition have helped fuel her success on and off the course.

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Q. Tell us about your amazing result at the recent IRONMAN World Championships in Hawaii.

Kona is always going to be a tough day out. The conditions, the field, the heat — everything about it pushes you to your limit. I went in expecting it to be physically and mentally challenging but crossing that finish line was surreal. I was so exhausted it didn’t feel real at first, but now that I’ve had time to reflect, it’s definitely one of the most special moments of my career so far. It felt incredible to see all those years of consistency and learning come together. Having my family there made it even more meaningful, and hearing Kiwi accents in the crowd cheering my name gave me such a lift. Those moments remind me why I love this sport. It’s not just about racing, it’s about the people and the community around it.

Q. How did you prepare for such a tough event?

For me, it really comes down to consistency. I’ve had a couple of solid years of training without major setbacks from injury or illness, so I’ve been able to build on the work I’ve already done. This year wasn’t about big changes, it was about doing the basics well and trusting the process. I also spent a lot of time on mental preparation. You know it’s going to hurt — that’s part of Kona — so I make a plan for when things go wrong and how I’ll respond. It’s about staying calm and focusing on what I can control; pacing, fuelling and mindset. Heat prep was also a big focus. Racing in Europe over the summer meant I was already used to training in warm conditions, and I spent a good amount of time in Hawaii before race week to adapt. On race day, hydration and sodium were key, and I stuck to what I know works for me. Kona teaches you to respect the conditions. If you don’t stay on top of fuelling and cooling, small issues can quickly turn into big problems.

Q. Tell us about the role nutrition plays in your success as an endurance athlete.

Nutrition underpins everything I do. It’s such a huge part of recovery, performance, and overall wellbeing. I like to keep things simple, with balanced meals that include plenty of carbs, protein, and vegetables. I don’t follow trends or cut anything out; it’s more about eating enough of the right foods to support the training load. Over time, being consistent with good, whole food makes the biggest difference.

Q. What role does beef and lamb play in your nutrition routine?

Beef and lamb are an important part of my weekly routine because they’re packed with protein and iron, which are vital for endurance athletes. I usually include them a couple of times a week, often with plenty of veggies or something high in vitamin C to help with absorption. After months overseas, nothing beats being home and having a good Kiwi barbecue. A perfectly cooked steak or lamb rack with a fresh salad and potatoes — it’s simple, nourishing, and always feels like home.

Q. You’ve been part of the ANZCO Foods ambassador team for some time now. What does that partnership mean to you?

It means a lot. ANZCO Foods is such a great brand to be part of. It’s not just about great nutrition, it’s about the people behind it. The team really care about the athletes they work with, and that support makes a big difference in what can sometimes feel like a pretty individual sport. Knowing there’s a team behind me, cheering me on from New Zealand, gives me confidence and motivation. It’s something I really value.

Q. ANZCO Foods IRONMAN New Zealand will join the IRONMAN Pro Series in 2026. What does that mean for the sport here at home?

It’s so exciting. Having a worldclass race like this in New Zealand gives Kiwi athletes an amazing opportunity to compete on home soil and showcase what this country has to offer. Taupō has such a unique energy — the community, the volunteers, the atmosphere — it’s like nowhere else. I think the Pro Series will bring even more attention to the event and hopefully inspire more New Zealanders to give it a go.

Q. After such a huge result in Kona, what’s next for you? 

I’ll take a bit of downtime to recover, then start planning for the 2026 season. IRONMAN New Zealand will be the first big race on the calendar, and I’m already looking forward to being back in Taupō. From there, I’ll head overseas for the European season. Outside of racing, I’m excited
for some adventures at home, time with family, and plenty of barbecues over summer.