SVM Student Participates in Ironman Triathlon

Third term student, Brittany King, completed the Ford “Ironman” triathlon in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho on June 24th, 2007.  A total of 3,000 triathletes participated in the grueling 140.6 miles race which comprised of a 2.4 miles swim, 112 miles bike ride and a 26.2 miles run. Brittany finished the triathlon after 13 hours of non-stop racing.  She placed 10th in her age group (18-24) and 1314 overall.

The water temperature was a bearable 55 degrees for athletes wearing wet suits. Therefore, participants like Brittany without wet-suits had an option to forfeit the swim segment of the competition. However, our determined Brittany chose to forge ahead through the frigid waters fueled by the cheers of her two younger brothers who road-tripped from Texas to Idaho to cheer her on.

Brittany’s background in swimming began at the tender age of nine.  She broke state and junior records and won a swim scholarship to attend college.  While at Auburn University, she was the national champion of the women’s team in her sophomore year and in her second year, she transferred to Texas A & M University on another swim scholarship.  In an effort to prepare for the triathlon, Brittany swam as often as she could here in Grenada and when she went home for the summer, she engaged in spin classes and road rides.

In Brittany’s words “it was the coolest thing I’ve ever done.” Brittany intends to participate and place in future Ironman competitions on completion of her studies. However, next time she affirms that she will set aside time to train for the event.