Latest news with #Ironmans
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
IIT student and Goa origin girl is India's youngest female Ironman
Panaji: Those four words seemed magical. You. Are. An. Ironman. Renee Noronha had heard those words for the first time in New Zealand last year, but in Germany early this month, it had a special meaning. In just about 15 months, the 19-year-old student of IIT Madras chalked off an amazing two and half hours from her previous time of 16:35:47 hrs to successfully complete the Ironman Hamburg European Championship in just 14 hours. The championship, one of Europe's most competitive endurance events, includes a 3.8km swim, 180km cycling, and a full 42.2km run, all to be done sequentially and completed in 17 hours. 'Nothing is easy for endurance events, particularly Ironman, so I had to keep going,' Renee told TOI over a phone call from London where she is currently based. 'This was all about finishing the event, so after the swim and cycle, you still have to complete a full marathon. In Hamburg, when I started the (42-km) run, I knew I was going to finish it. Before reaching the finish line, I pulled out the India flag and held it above. It was a superb feeling. I am proud of representing the country at global events.' Renee is no ordinary sportsperson. Transitioning from a professional gymnast between the ages of six and sixteen to an endurance athlete, the teenager with roots in Goa has completed two Ironmans in as many years. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending Local Enterprise Accounting Software [Click Here] Accounting ERP Click Here Undo Last year, she finished fourth in her age group, and at 18 years and 49 days, was the youngest full distance Ironman finisher at Ironman New Zealand. She is also India's youngest female Ironman. 'It was the craziest feeling ever, almost felt like a dream when I crossed the finish line for the first time. It was cold in New Zealand, the weather wasn't conducive, and it started raining some kilometres from the finish line. I had to push myself with all my strength. When I crossed the finish line, the announcement came as a relief. Renee, they said, 'you are an Ironman'.' With family roots in Goa – Santa Cruz to be precise – Renee was born in Mumbai and moved to London last year when her father, John Paul, secured a job. Formerly a professional artistic gymnast, she is currently pursuing a bachelor of science degree in data science and applications from IIT Madras but her mind remains fixated on making it big in the world of endurance sports. 'I was 16 when I took part in the Ironman Kids event in Goa (in 2022) and finished first in my age group. I was already training for triathlon around that time and did an Olympic distance run. At first, it seemed like a sprint, and I felt like doing more. That's when we turned our attention to a full Ironman,' said Renee. Not everyone is aware of Ironman. A niche sector sees the endurance test with majestic awe; others are aware that it's a tough event yet have little idea of what one has to endure to cross the finish line within the stipulated time. 'Endurance sports are not only for the elite, but for anyone willing to push their limits,' said Renee. In Hamburg, Renee finished 15th in her age group of 18 to 24 with timings of 1:30:33 for the 3.8 km swim, 6:58:54 for 180 km bike ride and 5:16:45 to complete the 42.2 km full marathon. It wasn't easy, particularly in the end, but Renee knew she had not signed up for anything that could be achieved without breaking sweat. Completing Ironman when she is still in her teens is commendable. Even more impressively, she balances this pursuit with academic rigour as a second-year student at IIT Madras, one of India's premier institutes of technology. 'It's all about managing your time and I change the intensity every week,' said Renee. 'Ironman is not just about finishing a race. It's about showing young people across India, particularly girls, that endurance sports are for us too. The discipline, the resilience, the self-belief you build in this sport changes who you are.'
The Citizen
18-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Centurion cyclist rides again after heart transplant
Billy Macleod (56), a cyclist from The Reeds in Centurion, recently participated in the KAP sani2c mountain bike stage race from May 8 to 10. The event covered 265km over three days from the Southern Drakensberg to Scottburgh on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. The race held profound significance for Macleod as it marked his second year after a heart transplant. 'This race meant a lot to me. It was a chance to show that life after a transplant is amazing.' He said that last year?s experience was incredible, and now, two years post-transplant, he is tackling a challenge many believed impossible. Macleod rode alongside 20-year-old Pedro Basson, who, like him, is also a heart transplant recipient. He shared that their team became a powerful symbol of unity, and determination. 'Pedro's presence made the race even more meaningful,' he said. 'Being able to ride with another heart transplant recipient, especially someone as young as Pedro, was emotional.' Macleod said Basson's energy and determination helped keep him going through the most gruelling parts of the race. 'He's young; it was his first time, but he showed incredible strength.' Macleod explained how preparing for the event wasn't just physical. He described how he had to train through the gym, focusing on long rides and time in the saddle while also keeping his mind sharp. 'We wanted to be the first team of heart recipients to complete this challenge. Our goals were simple: go slow, stay safe, avoid trouble, stay hydrated, stay fed, and stay on the bike.' Despite his decades of experience, Macleod admitted that the journey wasn't easy. He said one of his biggest concerns about the race was crashing. 'I had to remember that I have a new organ and needed to be careful and grateful. Every day is a gift from my donor.' Macleod's journey began in Carletonville, where he grew up before joining the military and eventually settling in The Reeds, Centurion. He began cycling at the age of 20 after serving in the military and participated in major events for over three decades. 'My achievements included completing ten Ironmans and racing in the prestigious Epic races in 2012, 2013, and 2014.' However, everything changed in 2014 when he discovered he had heart disease. He recounted the devastating moment when a doctor recommended a pacemaker due to his low heart rate, leading to a series of health challenges that forced him to pause his passion for cycling for six years. He felt he had lost a crucial part of his identity. 'I didn't want to believe it at first, but I eventually got the pacemaker in 2015, and for two years it worked well, and I was back on the bike,' he said. That return was short-lived. In 2017, Macleod began experiencing blackouts. 'Doctors thought I had a brain tumour. I had to turn off the pacemaker for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and they installed an ICD [a device that shocks the heart back into rhythm]. He said his battle with heart disease was marked by numerous hospital visits. He described the experience as incredibly isolating. 'My wife and daughter stood by me, but I felt so alone sometimes. People say they support you, but unless they're really in it with you, they don't understand.' Macleod faced dark times filled with depression and a feeling of burdening his family. Yet, amidst this struggle, he found hope and made peace with his situation. 'In July 2022, I made peace with the idea that I might not see Christmas.' Then everything changed. In September 2022, Macleod received a new heart. And with it, a new life. 'I woke up three hours after surgery, talking to my doctors. Most patients go into a coma or need ventilators, but I was alert. It felt like a miracle.' The former cyclist then achieved his first ride on January 5, 2023, and set his sights on participating in the World Transplant Games, where he qualified for the South African team. He also opened a business at the Red Barn to promote organ donation, sharing his story to inspire others. 'I'm proud to represent people like me and to show that we're still capable of amazing things.' Macleod said his story isn't about racing or medals. 'I want people to know there's hope. Life can be tough, but there's always something good. Gratitude is everything. Waking up and taking a breath is already a success.' He added he's met many people in dark places who just needed a little encouragement. 'Don't give up. There's always a positive side. Look for someone who gives you hope. And be that person for someone else, if you can.' ALSO READ: Pairing of paint and wine adds a splash of joy to Mother's Day Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
