Sunday's Ironman Wales must have been a huge disappointment for local triathlete star Oliver Simon, of Tenby, who has been suffering from an ongoing injury.

Olly, who finished an overall 23rd in last year's inaugural competition, was unable to finish the course due to a foot injury.

He completed the swim and bike course, but pulled out one loop into the marathon.

"I have been struggling with the same injury all season, plantar faciitis," Olly explained.

"I was managing to run through it up until July, but after I won the Welsh Championships, I hurt the side of my foot and carried this injury into Ironman UK where I had to pull out two-and-a-half hours into the run due to my foot hurting so much.

"I stopped running for the rest of the summer and had all the physio I could, but I have not been able to get it sorted for September.

"I competed in Ireland 70.3 two weeks ago and ran the whole half marathon, but this was a flat course and the last few kilometres were tough as I hadn't run for over a month,

"I knew then if I tried to finish the marathon in Tenby, I would end up doing more damage.

"I told everyone that I would not finish the Ironman and that I would run a lap of the run. I managed to do everything I said I would and it was very hard for me to stop with the amount of support I was getting.

"I competed even though I knew I wasn't going to finish, because this race is the reason I have been able to turn professional. Everyone who has supported me in this decision was watching and I wanted to be part of biggest sporting show the county is involved in.

"I have helped some of the local Ironmen with their swimming; I am very proud that everyone finished and I am sure some of them will join me on the start line next year."