The end of an era

After eight years of racing head-to-head with the world’s best, ANZCO Foods ambassador Braden Currie has announced his retirement from professional IRONMAN racing. We sat down with him to reflect on his career, his legacy, and what comes next.

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Q: Braden, you’ve had a great career in IRONMAN. What led you to decide to step away from racing?

From the very beginning, my motivation has been to compete with the very best, no matter where in the world that took me. That pursuit has defined my career. But sport never stands still, and as a new wave of extraordinary young athletes rises, I know it’s time to step back. Heading into 2026, this is the right moment to close this chapter and open the door to whatever comes next.

Q: What will you miss – and not miss – about IRONMAN racing?

IRONMAN requires 110% commitment. It’s a sport that’s physically, mentally and emotionally intense day-in-day-out. I know from personal experience that months of preparation can be undone by injury, sickness, or technical issues on race day. The constant pressure can be tough, and I’m relieved not to carry it anymore. What I’ll miss are those rare, perfect days when everything comes together and you’re out there competing – and winning – against the best. That feeling is hard to give up.

Q: Looking back, what race stands out most in your memory?

Without a doubt, it has to be my first IRONMAN race, which was IRONMAN New Zealand in 2017. I went into that event with no expectations, as my background had been in adventure racing up to that point, with multiple victories in the Coast to Coast, but I ended up having a perfect day and winning, setting the course record along the way. That day changed my life and set me on a completely unplanned path for the next eight years.

Q: What do you hope your legacy in the sport will be?

That you don’t need to come through the traditional pathway to succeed. I didn’t even know what IRONMAN was until I was 20. In many ways I’ve been an ‘accidental athlete’, finding sports I love, giving it everything, and turning that passion into a livelihood. My story is about what passion, grit, and determination can achieve.

Q: What makes ANZCO Foods IRONMAN New Zealand in Taupō so special?

The community. Of all the IRONMAN races I’ve competed in, the Taupō locals and volunteers create an atmosphere you don’t find anywhere else. Their energy lifts you when you’re at your lowest, whether you’re a pro finishing in eight hours or an age-grouper out there for seventeen. It’s also special because it’s our home race. IRONMAN New Zealand is the longest-running IRONMAN event outside Hawaii. That heritage is special and lining up where so many legends have raced is humbling. I’ve raced all over the world, but Taupō is one of the most beautiful and meaningful stops on the circuit.

Q: ANZCO Foods IRONMAN New Zealand will be part of the IRONMAN Pro Series in 2026. How significant is that?

It’s huge! So big it nearly convinced me to keep racing a little longer! It confirms Taupō’s global reputation and will bring the best athletes from the US and Europe down here to train and race. That’s fantastic for the Kiwi athletes and for the event overall.

Q: How important has nutrition been in your success over the years?

Massive. Good nutrition has allowed me to stay strong and largely injury-free through years of training and racing. Beef and lamb have always been a big part of our family meals, fuelling me, but more importantly providing my kids with the protein, iron, zinc, and B12 they need to be at their best. I grew up on a Canterbury farm, so I understand the work farmers all around New Zealand do to produce such high quality food. That’s why my partnership with ANZCO Foods has been such a great fit. Their purpose – supporting nutrition and good health through New Zealand’s finest beef and lamb – aligns perfectly with the demands of IRONMAN. They’ve been incredible supporters of me as an athlete and a person, and it’s a relationship I’m proud to have been part of. I’m excited to see how they continue to support more Kiwi athletes in the future.

Q: What’s next for Braden Currie? 

While my professional IRONMAN career has ended, endurance sport will always be part of who I am. I want to get back to my roots of adventure sports, trail running, and enjoying the outdoors. I’d also like to give back, whether through hosting training camps in Wānaka or contributing to my wider local community. Most importantly, it’s about my family. They’ve given up so much to allow me to chase my dreams. Now it’s my job to help them chase theirs!