An Irish man is among the athletes in Hawaii taking on the extreme edurance challenge of the Ironman triathlon.
There 1,100 superfit athletes from 27 countries in the exotic setting of Hawaii to compete in the Ironman Triathlon World Championship. The competitors will attempt to swim 2.4 miles, cycle 112 miles, and run a full marathon.
The Ironman Triathlon began in 1978 and now competitions are held around the world. The 1983 Premier All Ireland Triathlon Championship was televised and 20 year old Michael Walsh from Killiney won the event in Greystones. In taking the Irish title he won an all expenses paid trip to the World Triathlon Championship in Kona, Hawaii, the following year.
Ahead of the event in Hawaii, Jimmy Magee spoke to Michael Walsh, who had been up since the crack of dawn preparing. Although an accomplished cyclist Michael Walsh is wary of the headwinds and high temperatures he will face. Somewhat apprehensive about the swim he has never run a marathon before.
'Ironman Triathlon' was broadcast on 22 February 1986. The presenter is Jimmy Magee.
