Toti athlete Steven Shimmings (55) completed his tenth SA Iron Man in Port Elizabeth on Sunday, 6 April in a creditable time of 15 hours, 50 minutes and 14 seconds.
“I was very chuffed to cross the finish line,” he said. “It was a really good feeling. I’m very appreciative of the support of my family.”
Steven entered his first Iron Man in 2005 and enjoyed it so much, he went on to enter and finish the next nine consecutive events. He recorded his personal best time of 12 hours and 26 minutes in 2008 and was part of the KZN triathlon team until recently.
At school he enjoyed swimming, waterpolo, athletics and rugby.
“I started doing triathlons in my 20s, but took a break when my wife, Haley and I started our family.
I usually enjoy the run the most, but this year the swim was reduced to one lap, instead of two, so it was easier.”
Steven transferred to Toti nine years ago from Johannesburg. “We enjoy it here, it’s a nice environment and nice and small.”
After the Iron Man in April, he ‘tones it down a bit’, before starting to work on a programme from about September, to be in peak condition for the gruelling 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and 42.2km run.
Steven has also completed six Comrades marathons, with his best time a foot-blistering 8.04.
