OrthoArizona Athlete Rachel Zilinskas Wins First Ironman, Qualifies for World Championship

PHOENIX – OrthoArizona athlete Rachel Zilinskas won her first ever professional race at the 2023 IRONMAN Mont-Tremblant. The former NCAA All-American was first after the swim and finished with a time of 9:12:06, over eight minutes faster than second place.

“This was my first race back in a year after a very long and challenging period of injury and setback,” Zilinskas said. “To be able to make it back to the start line felt like a victory, so to secure my first win as a professional is beyond what I could have hoped for.”

Zilinskas regained her lead around the 25 kilometer mark and never looked back. She eventually increased her lead enough to take home the victory.

IRONMAN events consist of 2.4-mile (3.9km) swim, 112-mile (180.2km) bike, and 26.2-mile (42.2km) run. Zilinskas herself is no stranger to the IRONMAN Mont-Tremblant race as she placed third in the event last year.

The Pennsylvania-native has trained with OrthoArizona for over a year, primarily with Clive Brewer, Director of Athletic Performance. Brewer has coached athletes at all levels – including multiple Olympians – having spent time as the Performance Director for Columbus Crew, Assistant Director of High Performance for the Toronto Blue Jays, and consulting for Manchester United and Liverpool FC.

Brewer works closely in partnership with OrthoArizona’s Jake Brennan, DPT who provides expert guidance and treatment in support of Zilinskas’ program. Combining sports medicine and performance is unique in this environment, and serves to enhance the quality of athlete care that OrthoArizona can provide to athletes at all levels.

With the win, Zilinskas qualifies for her second-straight IRONMAN World Championship. The qualification is special for the former Georgia Bulldog, as she first qualified in 2022 but had to forgo competing due to an injury just before the event.

“I’m really grateful for my coaches and supporters for believing in me and getting me back healthy and fit enough to race,” Zilinskas said. “I can’t wait to build off of this win and prepare for the World Championships in Kona!”