A brand new athlete was crowned as the champion of the 30th Ironman Canada in Penticton on Sunday.

Matthew Russell took the honors with a time of 8:48:30.

This is the American triathletes fifth Ironman and first win.

"I'm just looking forward to improving my place. If I can move up a few places in the top 20 top 15 I'd be happy. I'd like to make a career out of this not just a couple of years. I'm going to start working with a coach now"

Behind Russell was Penticton's Olly Piggin with a second place time of 8:54:17.

Christian Brader from Germany took third place with a time of 8:58:59.

On the women's side of things a new champion was crowned as Gillian Clayton took top honors.

The Vancouver physio therapist finished the race with a time of 9:46:07

"I just visualized all the videos I've ever seen of all these unbelievable champions winning and I thought you know this is going to be me. But I'm never truly sure until I can turn around and see for myself and I turned around and it was a long time before I saw the first girl behind me. And unless she has Usain Bolt qualities I was pretty sure I was going to make it to the line first"

This is the first time Clayton has participated in an Ironman as a pro athlete.

Karen Thibodeau of North Vancouver took second with a time of 9:50:52.

Penticton's own Janelle Morrison took third place at 9:53:20.

Penticton resident David Matheson captured 10th place overall and first in his age category the men's 40-44 year old's with a time of 9:19:04.

Scott Tremblay of Kaleden was close behind Matheson and finished in 11th position with a time of 9:22:06.

It was an exciting finish for Sister Madonna Buder as she completed her 46th Ironman with a time of 16:32:00.

The finish sets a new record as Sister Madonna is now the oldest person to ever finish the race and created the 80 plus age category.

The 82 year old held the previous record from 2009 when she completed the Ironman Canada at the age of 79 with a time of 16:54:30.

A staggering 2,423 people completed this year's Ironman Canada with the last person finishing just under the wire.

Kelli Telling of San Clemente California finished her race at 16:59:55.

Ironman Canada allows racers 17 hours to finish leaving Telling 5 seconds to spare.

The full results list can be found online at www.Ironman.ca

Anita Sthankiya -Penticton