Army's triathlon star Kat Matthews retains her Ironman Texas title

Triathlon star and Army captain Kat Matthews has retained her Ironman Texas title.

The Bristol-based soldier claimed victory in the second event in the Iron Man Pro Series despite incurring a five-minute penalty and overcoming an injury to her calf muscle.

Trailing the leaders following the swim and bike elements of the race, Capt Matthews made up ground during the marathon distance run, eclipsing her rivals to take the top spot. 

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The Army captain came home first in a time of 8 hours 42 minutes – 22 seconds ahead of Penny Slater from Australia and the Netherlands' Lotts Wilms.

Victory in Texas for Capt Matthews means she has clinched qualification for this year's Ironman World Championships in Nice.