This is what a real Iron Man looks like!

The name Iron Man has become synonymous with Tony Stark, the billionaire genius who uses his brains for good, and flies around in a jet-propelled suit, fighting crime and just doing cool stuff in general. What many people don’t know is that Sandton has its very own Iron Man – Bradley Fleming.

Fleming recently took home the first place trophy for the 30-34 age group Iron Man Africa challenge, where he competed against some of the fittest athletes in the world. Fleming has been a sportsman for most of his life. “I started playing sports at the age of five. I think all kids should play a sport. It keeps you active and out of trouble.”

Fleming has completed numerous marathons but has always seen the Iron Man competition as a bucket list event.

“Iron Man is a particularly challenging race. It spans 226km in total, consisting of a 3.8km swim, a 180km bike ride and a 42km run – all done in one day. I am strongest on the bicycle, but to win you need to be good at all three.”

Fleming added that Iron Man is a race against yourself and that you need to pace yourself throughout the race.

There are six Iron Man championships set on different continents, these being Africa, Brazil, North America, Australia and Europe, while the world championship takes place in Hawaii. Fleming has entered the European championship, and after his recent win in Africa, has qualified for the world championships.

“Over 300 000 people try to qualify for the world championship, but there are only 2 000 slots or entries available. It is the holy grail of Iron Man races.” Fleming added that this is the only sport where amateurs and world champions compete on the same course at the same time.

Fleming’s co-worker Helen Evangeli is very proud of Fleming’s achievements. “We are very proud of Brad. He is an inspiration to us all. He strives to be the best, and he is!”

Details: eu.ironman.com; 011 267 5700.