Tipperary man was first Irish finisher in Ironman World Championship
Michael Scully from Clonmel was in the top 200
Clonmelman Michael Scully was the first Irish finisher and secured a place in the top 200 when he competed in the 2022 Ironman World Championship in Kailua Kona, Hawaii.
Michael completed the 3.8 kilometres swim in the Pacific Ocean.
He then transitioned to his bike and cycled 180 kilometres through the exposed lava fields of Hawaii in heat of up to 28 degrees and 90% humidity. Michael completed the bike leg in under five hours.
Michael then commenced a marathon in the midday temperature of 30 degrees, completing the full 26-mile distance to clock an overall time of 9 hours and 24 minutes for the gruelling, energy-sapping event.
38-year-old Michael works as a civil engineer with Tipperary County Council.
This was the fifth Ironman Triathlon he had completed. He qualified for the championships in Hawaii at an Ironman event held in Panama City Beach in Florida in 2019.
Covid forced the postponement of the championship in 2020 and 2021 until this year.
A member of Clonmel Triathlon Club, Michael says he took up triathlon in 2009 as an alternative to the pub.
He was accompanied on the journey to Hawaii by his parents Marian and Danny Scully.