Paula Newby-Fraser, who has dominated the triathlon world for nearly a decade, announced Thursday that she'll retire from competitive racing after Saturday's Ironman race in Hawaii.

"This is the last for me," said Newby-Fraser at a pre-race news conference. "My training this year has been great [especially] when you look at no longer riding 112 miles."

Newby-Fraser, a native of Zimbabwe, amassed an amazing seven Hawaii Ironman victories and competed in more than 20 Ironman distance races.

"At this stage it's really a case of fearing the known," Newby-Fraser said, adding "I am getting older, my body is getting older."

Newby-Fraser plans to remain close to the triathlon world and the Ironman events, saying that she has been talking with television companies about the next phase of her career. "Besides, I have a couple of close friends that plan to compete next year."

This story prepared by Chuck Rucker of Triathlete magazine