When Victoria Gomez crossed the finish line at the Half-Ironman in Provence last May, she became Hammersmith & Fulham's very own ironwoman.
The 26-year-old West Kensington resident had promised her 90-year-old grannies she'd make them proud. With both grandmothers cheering from the sidelines, Victoria delivered on that promise in May of this year.
Her journey to the finish line began with H&F's cycle hangar programme, which is part-funded by our pioneering Green Investment scheme. Without the promise of secure storage in the Trevanion Road hangar, she would never have bought the bike that ultimately carried her to triathlon success.
Six months earlier, her bike had been living in her compact flat – what she calls, 'the shoe box'. Now that same bike has carried her through the cycling portion of one of the world's most challenging endurance events.
Race day revelations
Ironman 70.3 triathlon participants need to complete 1.2 miles of swimming, 56 miles of cycling, and 13.1 miles of running.
Victoria's race day wasn't without its surprises. "I'd never actually tested my wetsuit before," she said.
The swim brought back memories of her first mini triathlon as a child. "I came second and was devastated," she laughed. "Fast forward twenty years, standing on that beach in Provence and remembering that upset little girl made me laugh. This time, I was just determined to finish."
The race proved more than physical endurance. "It's shown me what I'm capable of when I set my mind to something," she reflected. "The confidence I've gained goes way beyond sport – it's changed how I approach everything."
Victoria's achievement comes at a time when triathlon is growing among younger athletes. Recent data shows a 66% increase in under-30 participants in Half-Ironman events since 2019.
But Victoria is also part of a smaller group as women make up just 26% of participants globally.
Between work as a sustainability consultant and fitting in three different sports, finding time was her biggest challenge. Victoria's secret weapon? Her local triathlon club, Ful-On Tri, as well as secure storage for her race bike.
Making cycling easier and safer across H&F
With H&F's programme to install 500 bike hangars by 2027 well underway, one bike parking spot for every resident on the waiting list, Victoria's story might just be the first of many local triathlon success stories.
It's to make it easier and safer for residents to cycle, supporting healthier transport choices especially for shorter journeys across the borough. The programme is made possible thanks to our pioneering Green Investment scheme, which has now raised more than £2.5million from local investors. Cllr Rowan Ree, H&F Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform:
This investment will help people get on their bikes with the peace of mind that they've got a safe place to lock them. Victoria's story is just one example for how we're responding to residents' needs to make H&F a stronger, safer and kinder place to live."
Residents can earn a fixed annual 4.1% return over five years, all while supporting vital improvements in their local area.
Investments are long term and may be hard to sell. This is not a savings account. Changes in market interest rates may affect the value of your investment if you sell before maturity. Approver: Abundance (525432). Approval date: [2 July 2025]
