[LegendaryGunman]

Hey everyone I very recently completed my very first triathlon. I'm 16 years old and have dreamed of competing in the Ironman Championships since i was 13. When I saw the local rec center was holding a sprint distance tri I went after it. I run track and cross country for my high school so i have really good endurance, plus I'm a huge cycling fan so I was ready for that event. After some intense training in the swim I managed to complete the full 500 yards without stopping. My time was 1:26:15, I was also the only individual under 20 to compete.

Now I know that was a big rambling story but i wanted you all to know the background to my quest that I am embarking on. My big question is, do any of you know how old the youngest competitor to complete the Ironman Championships in Hawaii was? My big goal is to qualify and compete in the year 2008 when I turn 18 (January 18th). I was wondering that if I were to accomplish my goal would I be the youngest ever to do so? Also do you think it's possible for an 18 year old straight out of high school to actually qualify for, compete in and complete the Ironman?

[hmullett]

Well, I think you'll be ok at 18, maybe even 17. I know that there have been plenty of 18 year olds to compete at Kona, look at the USAT website rules page and see if there's an age minimum. I would say GO FOR IT! But, also really research training, nutrition, and learn about time management. Training for IM (which I'm doing now) takes a lot of time and dedication. It also hurts! Save your money too, because just the entry fee will set you back a few hundred. I admire your dream and if you have any questions for us, just ask. Best of luck!

Heather

[sfricks]

WTC (M-dot races) have a minimum age of 18. My son did one on May 7, 2005 and his 18th was on Apr 25, 2005. I don't know if he's the youngest but he has to be close.

[LegendaryGunman]

sfricks if your son is not the youngest ever then honestly, he got screwed out of a once in a lifetime shot by dates on a calendar. Well there goes any shot i have at youngest ever, but i'm not going to give up on it, though i am little more focused on cross country at the moment than triathlon training...

[c-ris]

I think the founder of the ironman, John Collins, had his son do it at 14. This article (The Twelve Greatest Moments of the Ironman | Outside Online) says "Collins' 14-year-old son managed to finish the thing in about 24 hours, and will forever be the youngest Ironman finisher--a minimum age requirement was subsequently set at 18." Sorry, I guess neither you or sfricks' son is the youngest ever.