Wellington in good shape for Kona

Wellington was the surprise winner in Hawaii in 2007

Norfolk's Chrissie Wellington defends her World Ironman title in Hawaii on the back of outstanding form this year.

The 31-year-old triathlete, who grew up in Feltwell, won every international event she has entered in 2008.

Her win at the 2007 World Championship came less than a year after she turned professional, but now she admits it is a very different atmosphere for her.

"The pressures and expectations have changed somewhat from last year, but the main emotion is excitement."

Ironman: WHAT IT TAKES 26.2-mile run 2.4-mile swim 116-mile cycle

She added: "I've done the work, worked so hard all year, trained hard, raced hard, I feel like a race horse ready to jump start."

Wellington's winning time last year was nine hours, eight minutes and 45 seconds - five minutes clear of runner-up Samantha McGlone of Canada.