Going the distance for Ireland

Enduring the scorching midday sun, battling fatigue, and pushing his limits, our Lead Engineer, Ciaran Boyle, crossed the finish line of the Long Distance Triathlon at the 2024 World Triathlon Multisport Championships, not just completing the race but securing an 8th-place finish on the world stage. 

Representing your country is an honour that few people ever get to experience, and it is one that Ciaran is very proud of.  

"It was a privilege to compete on the national team alongside some great athletes from Ireland, Australia, and many other countries," he says. 

But Ciaran's journey to this moment was years in the making. 

"While I was working FIFO in 2017 till 2021, I ran a lot! So, when I finished working FIFO I had a bit more time on my hands. A triathlon was a natural progression from running," Ciaran said, explaining how he eventually began competing seriously in 2020. 

Ciaran set his sights on a top 10 finish for the challenging 3km swim, 114km cycle, and 30km run, and achieved his goal with an impressive eighth-place finish. One of his highlights was crossing the finish line. 

"Hearing the announcer say I had finished 8th in the world was a highlight for sure." 

The race was far from easy, however. Held in Townsville, Ciaran was prepared for some heat but underestimated just how intense it would be on the day. 

"By the time I started running, it was about midday, and there was no escaping the heat. This made the run very difficult," he said. 

Looking back, Ciaran believes the key lesson from this race was the importance of preparation. 

"In general, I was happy with my performance; however, at the same time, I learned a lot from the race, and there's plenty of room for improvement in the next race," he said. 

"The key standout from this race would be the need to be well prepared for the conditions you will be racing in and pace accordingly." 

With his eyes set on the future, Ciaran's next big goal is the December Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Taupo, New Zealand. 

"I'll have a week or so of rest and then get back to training in preparation for that," he says. 

For anyone aspiring to compete at a world-class level, Ciaran offers simple yet powerful advice. 

"If you ever thought to yourself that you wouldn't mind having a go at something, just go for it. You never know where it will end up. No point looking back in ten years and regretting not having a crack," Ciaran said.