Who is Renee Noronha? Meet India’s Youngest Female Ironman from Mumbai

Monday, July 14, 2025 – Renee Noronha, a 19-year-old student from IIT Madras, has made history in endurance sports. She became India’s youngest female Ironman after completing the Ironman Hamburg European Championship in just 14 hours.

This was a huge improvement from her first Ironman in New Zealand, where she took almost two and a half hours more. She now ranks among the top young endurance athletes in the country.

What is the Ironman Challenge?

The Ironman triathlon is one of the hardest sporting events in the world. It includes:

• A 3.8 km swim

• A 180 km cycle ride

• A 42.2 km full marathon

Athletes must complete all these back-to-back within 17 hours. Renee finished it in 14 hours, placing 15th in her age group (18–24 years).

Balancing Sports and Studies

Renee is not just an athlete. She is also a full-time student at IIT Madras, where she’s studying BSc in Data Science and Applications. She manages training and studies by following a strict routine.

“It’s all about time management,” Renee said. “I adjust my training every week based on my schedule.”

Proud to Represent India

Renee was born in Mumbai and has deep family roots in Goa. She now lives in London, where her father works, but continues her studies remotely.

In Hamburg, she carried the Indian flag across the finish line.

“When I knew I was going to finish, I took out the flag. I was proud to represent India,” she said.

How Renee Got Into Triathlons

Until age 16, Renee was a competitive gymnast. She entered her first triathlon at an Ironman Kids event in Goa, which she won. That’s when she began training seriously.

In 2023, she became the youngest Indian woman to finish a full Ironman—at just 18 years and 49 days—in New Zealand, despite freezing weather.

Inspiring Other Young Girls in India

Renee wants more Indian girls to take part in endurance sports.

“This is not just for elite athletes. Anyone can do it. It builds strength and confidence,” she says.

She believes more girls should see themselves in this field, and that sports like Ironman deserve more attention in India.

What’s Next for Renee?

With two Ironman titles before turning 20, Renee is set to make a mark on the global endurance sports stage. Her story is not just about finishing races, but about breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation of young athletes.