SWANBOURNE triathlete Jon Pettingill will compete in the Ironman 70.3 World Championship next month in Queensland.
The 45-year-old recently placed fourth in his age group in the Ironman 70.3 in Cairns, a qualifier for the world championships.
Pettingill has been competing in the triathlon for the past 18 years, and it will be the third time he has qualified for the World Championships.
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READ NOWHe said he was looking forward to the event.
“I’m hoping to feature well in the age group,” he said.
“I like the Ironman because I like staying fit and I like the fact the distance is a challenge. I like that you don’t have to be too aggressive when it comes to speed.”
Pettingill trains a rigorous six days a week to prepare for the Ironman.
He said he had met many great people in the sport.
“Being in the sport for almost 20 years, I’ve met a lot of great people,” he said.
“I also enjoy setting an example for kids about staying fit and healthy.”
He said he encouraged people to get into triathlons.
“I would recommend people take up triathlons before trying an Ironman,” he said.
“I couldn’t do it without my wife and kids. It’s a whole family thing, from support right down to nutrition.”