Rupesh S. competing in Ironman Calella-Barcelona. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
While many might consider slowing down in their mid-forties, Dr. Rupesh S., a 45-year-old dentist hailing from Alappuzha, is proving that age is just a number as he recently conquered his fourth Ironman triathlon. This incredible feat took place in Calella, near Barcelona, Spain, marking another significant milestone in his journey as an endurance athlete.
During the recent Ironman Calella-Barcelona event, Dr. Rupesh showcased immense endurance, finishing a formidable 2.4-mile (3.86-km) swim, a 112-mile (180.25-km) bike ride, and a 26.22-mile (42.2-km) marathon-distance run in an impressive 13 hours, 9 minutes, and 1 second. This stellar performance was well within the challenging 16-hour and 20-minute time cap.
The Ironman series is globally renowned as one of the planet’s most gruelling single-day sporting challenges, with Ironman Calella-Barcelona being a prominent fixture co-organised by the World Triathlon Corporation and Ironman. Reflecting on his achievements, Dr. Rupesh shared, “Every Ironman is a brutal examination of both physical and mental resilience. In each competition, I strive to surpass my own boundaries, aiming to set new personal bests and demonstrate the incredible power of determination, discipline, and sheer passion.”
This latest race in Barcelona saw him shave a remarkable 65 minutes off his previous personal best. His journey began with his first full Ironman in Tallinn, Estonia, in 2022, completing it in 14:40:45. He then successfully tackled Ironman Kalmar in Sweden in 2023 (14:34:18) and Ironman Emilia Romagna in Italy in 2024 (14:13:51). His impressive resume also includes two Half Ironman (Ironman 70.3) finishes: Bintan, Indonesia, in 2019, and Dubai in March 2022. For those unfamiliar, a Half Ironman involves a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run.
What makes Dr. Rupesh’s achievements even more extraordinary is his background: he never competed in swimming or athletics during his school or college years. His entry into the world of competitive sports was entirely unplanned, beginning at the age of 34. In 2014, while captaining the Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences staff team for intercollegiate games, he found himself unexpectedly participating in a 5-km run when no other teammate volunteered. To his utter surprise, he not only participated but also clinched first place. This unexpected victory ignited his passion, prompting him to train for and complete half marathons. By 2018, he had set his sights on the ultimate challenge: the triathlon, a demanding event that combines swimming, cycling, and running into one continuous race.
Dr. Rupesh emphasized the profound significance of his journey, stating, “Juggling a demanding medical career, family responsibilities, and relentless months of rigorous training, I aim to exemplify true dedication — both in my athletic pursuits and in my service to others. To cross that finish line, proudly holding the Indian flag, was an unforgettable moment of immense pride.”
Shanavas Abdul Hakkim competing in Ironman Calella-Barcelona. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Dr. Rupesh was not alone in his remarkable achievement. Fellow Alappuzha resident, 52-year-old Shanavas Abdul Hakkim, also successfully completed the Ironman Calella-Barcelona, crossing the finish line with a time of 15 hours, 33 minutes, and 51 seconds.