#GBKona 2017: James McDiarmid turns disappointment into joy

After more than 20 IRONMAN races, James McDiarmid was set to race in Kona, until a huge bike crash. It will however, still be an event of special memories

By John Levison

Chief Correspondent

Last updated -

13 Oct 2017

SHOP

From bike crash to ‘Did Not Start’… to wedding!

The British Age-Group athlete who is not letting injury disappointment spoil his Kona experience

Sometimes in life, not everything follows the script you would like. Earlier this year, after more than 20 IRONMAN races, James McDiarmid secured a first start at the IRONMAN World Championship via the IRONMAN Legacy Program.

After “never having broken a bone in my life”, all of that changed at IRONMAN Copenhagen barely two months ago. In Kona, in a sling after recent surgery, James will not be able to start the race on Saturday, but the IRONMAN World Championship 2017 will still provide wonderful memories, as he and fiancée Francesca have a busy (wedding!) day ahead.

Written by

John Levison

TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.

Discover more