A QUICK INTERVIEW WITH HOPE HOFFMAN – CHAMPION OF IRONMAN DA NANG 2026

Hosting the full-distance IRONMAN for the first time, Da Nang welcomed more than 4,700 athletes from 91 countries and territories, further strengthening its reputation as one of Asia’s leading sports and tourism destinations. The event also marked Da Nang as the 32nd location in the world to host this prestigious race.

Throughout the weekend, the city’s coastal area was filled with athletes, tourists, volunteers, and local residents cheering enthusiastically for the competitors.

In the full-distance race, athletes had to complete 3.8 km of swimming, 180 km of cycling, and a full 42 km marathon within a maximum cutoff time of 17 continuous hours. It is considered one of the toughest endurance challenges in the world, requiring not only physical strength but also careful nutrition planning and mental resilience.

In the final results, Andrey Sharipov (Uzbekistan) won the men’s race with a time of 8 hours 45 minutes and 47 seconds. In the women’s race, Hope Hoffman (USA) claimed the championship title with an impressive time of 9 hours 49 minutes and 23 seconds.

Mr. Old Man had a short and friendly interview with Hope Hoffman. Born in 1998 and currently living in New Orleans, Louisiana, Hope started competing in Ironman events four years ago. Since then, she has consistently achieved strong results, and IRONMAN Da Nang 2026 became her very first full Ironman victory.

In everyday life, Hope Hoffman looks cheerful, friendly, and surprisingly adorable for someone capable of conquering one of the toughest endurance races in the world

Mr. Old Man: Hello Hope. Congratulations on your outstanding performance at IM 140.6 Da Nang (Vietnam) 2026! You are truly an Ironman Champion

If you don’t mind, may I ask you a few questions for a short post introducing you to Vietnamese readers?

Hope Hoffman: Xin cảm ơn
I read your funny post about the escort rider who accompanied me to the finish line, and I really enjoyed it.

Mr. Old Man: Thank you Let’s begin.

Have you ever participated in previous IRONMAN 70.3 events in Da Nang before this race?

Hope Hoffman: This is my first race in Vietnam. This was my fifth Ironman. I have completed Ironman California, Ironman Texas, and the Ironman World Championships in Kona and Nice.

Mr. Old Man: What do you think about Da Nang and the Vietnamese people? Any special or positive impressions?

Hope Hoffman: I thought Da Nang was very nice and welcoming. The people were very kind and very helpful. We had a lot of fun exploring and trying new foods. The beaches were beautiful, and there was so much to do between training sessions.

Mr. Old Man: How long have you been competing in Ironman events? Could you share some memorable results or achievements?

Hope Hoffman: I have been doing Ironman for four years. Last year I competed at Kona and placed 11th in my age group. This season I competed at 70.3 El Salvador and 70.3 Texas and finished second overall in both races. This was my first Ironman win.

Mr. Old Man: Thank you so much, Hope, for your kind and detailed answers.

Your achievement is truly impressive. Only four years in Ironman, and already competing at Kona, Nice, and now winning your first full Ironman in Vietnam — that is amazing! Congratulations once again on a very well-deserved victory

I’m also very happy to hear that you enjoyed Da Nang, the beaches, the food, and especially the friendliness of Vietnamese people. I think many Vietnamese readers will enjoy reading your comments.

Wishing you the very best for the rest of your season. I hope you continue achieving even greater success in future Ironman races.

And of course… we hope to see you back in Da Nang someday

Hope Hoffman: Thank you!! By the way, do you happen to know who has the photos from the finish line?

Mr. Old Man: Sorry, I don’t know exactly. But I think the organizers should have all the finish-line photos — especially for champions like you

Hope Hoffman: We are trying to track down the celebration photos from the finish line but can’t seem to find who has them. They weren’t included in the ones Ironman sent us.

If you happen to see any, please send them my way!

Mr. Old Man: Sure!