SwimRVA’s programs and events can take swimmers to extraordinary lengths- literally, in Vincent’s case, as he recently completed the 2024 Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii this past October. A participant of SwimRVA’s Winter Open Water program, Vincent reflected how “swimming at SwimRVA really helped during my Ironman training. It’s an awesome facility for swim training and events.”

An Ironman Triathlon is a long-distance triathlon that begins with a 2.4-mile swim, transitions to a 112 mile bicycle ride, and ends with a marathon 26.22-mile run. On top of the 140.6 mile distance, the event features harsh race conditions to earn the title of one of the most difficult one-day sporting events in the world.

In addition to the Winter Open Water training, Vincent has participated in SwimRVA’s New Years Challenge and the 10K Swim Challenge. He noted how the variety of programs “have helped with being comfortable in the water and swimming around other people. Utilizing the 50m course helped with long 4,000m plus swim sessions.” Vincent also trains with Coach Ed Boyle while joining the SwimRVA Hammerheads group for lunchtime swim sessions. 

The race lived up to its standards of grueling conditions, as the Hawaii climate brought heat and high humidity. Vincent noted that while the water temperature in Kailua Bay was comfortable, the water itself was very choppy and had lots of swales. Marine life was also a factor, as Vincent recalled that he “was stung by jellyfish as I swam to the start line. It was a little painful, but I got the 2.4 swim done.” The 112 mile bike course brought hot, hilly, and windy conditions. With just a 26.2 mile run remaining, Vincent persevered through rain for the first several miles. “I was glad because it cooled things down, but it soaked my socks and shoes. Running 26.2 miles with wet socks wasn’t fun. I wasn’t the fastest guy that day, but I finished and knowing I would see my family at the finish line kept me moving.”

Vincent raced with the Iron Man Foundation, which provides an opportunity for athletes to fundraise and give back to the race communities through volunteerism and community grants. With this foundation, he raised money to bring awareness for people with special needs in sports, as he has a son with Down Syndrome who he competes in a variety of running races and triathlons with. Although his son could not compete in the Ironman race due to his age, he and Vincent’s wife were able to experience the weeklong Ironman events leading up to race day. This included participating in the Parade of Nations, the Underpants Run, and building bicycles for the Ironman Foundation. With the organization, Vincent helped to raise over a million dollars. 

Vincent hopes to complete another Ironman in the future, but until then plans to support shorter local races.

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To learn more about the Ironman Foundation, click HERE

For upcoming events at SwimRVA, including the New Years Challenge and the Winter Open Water training sessions, click HERE