Hope for Britain's Ironman win (From This Is Local London)

Hope for Britain's Ironman win

7:00am Sunday 9th September 2012 in News By

Hoping to follow in the footsteps of Britain’s Olympians with a podium finish, a Kingston man has decided to take on the challenge of 2012’s Ironman World Championships, writes Patrick Grafton-Green.

James Brown, 31, of Portsmouth Road, trains in the Surrey Hills, finished fifth in his age category in Ironman Wales last year, and 21st overall, which won him a qualifying spot at the world event on October 13.

The gruelling championships will take place in Hawaii, and comprise of a 3.8km swim, a 180km cycle and a marathon-length run.

Competing as an amateur Mr Brown hopes to finish in his age group’s top three and his ultimate aim is to become the first British male Ironman World Champion.

He said: “There is no reason why I should not achieve this. I am hugely competitive. I do not know anyone who is as competitive as I am.

“The challenge, the competition, is something I can see myself winning.”

Brown trains 20 hours a week, around his full-time job, is self-financed, and does not have a coach.

His first Ironman competition was in 2009, he broke his arm in 2010 and at one point was unsure if he would be able to compete again.

In preparation for the challenge he plans to increase his training time and said he would sell his possessions to keep competing.

He said: “I would happily sell my flat. I am not doing this for money. I am doing it for the love of the sport.”

To follow Mr Brown’s progress visit jamesbrownironman.com.