This year’s Ironman event proved that Pembrokeshire College staff not only work hard but can play exceptionally hard too.

Tenby’s long-distance triathlon saw college IT development team leader, John Goy, compete in the race for the second time. Completing a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run in an impressive 11 hours and 17 minutes - his personal best to date, finishing 55 minutes faster than his previous race!

John praised the crowds of supporters who buoyed him up along the way.

“I’m sure I speak for everyone who is so grateful for the crowds who gather along the route,” he said. “The race is a battle of survival for us all and the amount of support is truly amazing, it’s what got me through.”

Despite holding out and completing the race, John was quickly taken to the medical tent where he received treatment for hypothermia by St. John Ambulance. In spite of the blip at the end of the race, now fully recovered, John can bask in his achievement.

“For anyone thinking that it’s too hard or too far, I’d quote the Ironman motto which is: Anything is Possible and I’m proof of that!”

College sports lecturer, Lee Gibbons didn’t take part in the race, but worked tirelessly in the sports therapy tent, administering over 500 treatments to Ironman athletes. Working alongside a former sports massage student, Julie Barritt and another two therapists, Lloyd Davies and Sandi Patchen, the team worked hard throughout the weekend to ease the pain of the athletes who took part.

Lee was excited to be involved in the event for the first time: “The athletes are incredible! I admire their dedication and not just their physical strength, but their mental willpower too. What an event!”

College plumbing lecturer, Nicky Rees, also took part in the triathlon race for the sixth time in Wales. Finishing in 12 hours and 40 minutes was no mean feat after completing the Otillo Swimrun World Championship in Sweden only two weeks earlier! The Otillo Swimrun involves racing from Sandhamn to Uto via 24 islands, running across the islands and swimming between them to complete the race.

Crowned Ironman for the 10th time, having completed four other Ironman challenges in Austria, Bolton, Norway and Switzerland, Nicky is still eager to take part in Ironman Wales in 2017, commenting: “I must be mad, but I’ll be taking part again next year if my body lets me!”

Pembrokeshire College would like to congratulate everyone who took part, especially Lee and Nicky who are keen to sign-up to be involved in Ironman Wales next year.