Search
shop

Triathlete Nathan Ford shares epic finish line moment with the man who saved his life

The most special of moments in Swansea
Editor-In-Chief
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Triathlon finish lines have played host to many special moments down the years, few more special though than the one Nathan Ford enjoyed in Swansea last weekend.

Nathan was on hand at his local race – IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea – to hand a finisher’s medal to the man who saved his life just under two years ago.

Back in 2021 Nathan was racing in the British Championships in Scotland when he suffered terrible injuries in a bike crash. But for the close proximity at that exact moment of Keir Greenhalgh, he may not have survived.

Advertisement

Memorable milestone

Keir performed CPR on Nathan at the scene, allowing him to survive long enough to reach hospital. The initial prognosis for his injuries were grim, but since then he has made incredible progress in his recovery.

On Sunday he was able to enjoy another memorable milestone when Keir travelled down to Swansea to race in that IRONMAN 70.3 showpiece. With the race clock showing 6:33:49 he made it to the finish line, and Nathan was waiting to present him with that cherished finisher’s medal.

Reflecting on the special moment, Nathan told TRI247: “Being local, born and bred in Swansea, the Ironman 70.3 is a very special race for me. This year was extra special, due to the fact that the guy who saved my life, almost two years ago, was racing.”

Keir Greenhalgh Nathan Ford and his wife partner Catrin at IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea 2023 photo credit: Huw Fairclough for IRONMAN
Keir, Nathan and Nathan’s wife Catrin at 70.3 Swansea [Photo credit: Huw Fairclough for IRONMAN]

Coach Nathan

Nathan also revealed that he was so desperate for Keir to race and succeed on Welsh soil last weekend, he even helped him to prepare for the big day.

“Keir gave me CPR after I crashed during the British Championships in Scotland. I literally owe him my life, so when he told me six months ago that he was going to travel down to Swansea to race the 70.3, I was so excited to watch him compete in my home city. I actually coached Keir into the race, which was an absolute pleasure.

“I was given the opportunity to hand Keir his medal at the finish line. An absolute honour and privilege to be able to do so. An emotional time, being able to stand there next to him and issue him his finisher medal. A moment that will stay with me forever.”

There are some moments in sport which tug at the heartstrings, and this was one of them. Two men with an unbreakable bond fashioned by a moment of fate, reunited again in the happiest of circumstances.

Graham Shaw
Written by
Graham Shaw
Graham has been involved with TRI247 & RUN247 since the summer of 2021. Since then he has provided strategic direction for all news and is passionate about the growth of triathlon as a fan sport.
Discover more
Challenge Family Jort Vlam CEO
“It’s not just for nutty people who train 40 hours a week!” Jort Vlam on taking triathlon mainstream and why he’s still inspired to keep growing the sport
Chain hanging to dry after waxing
PremiumSwitching to a waxed chain could take minutes off your Ironman bike split, without riding any harder – and here’s why
PremiumAre women better than men at long distances? We uncover the truth once and for all
Castelli Aero Pro 8S women's cycling jersey
Castelli Aero Pro 8S cycling jersey review: can this ultra-aero jersey turn watts into speed without dialling down on comfort?
Sian Rainsley Vitus
PremiumThreshold or VO2 max? The best type of intervals for triathletes who want to get faster
latest News
Lionel Sanders wins 70.3 St George 2025 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
Lionel Sanders on his way back – but Nice too soon so sights set on new targets
Adam Peaty photo credit Aquatics GB
Gordon Ramsay, Adam Peaty and Harry Judd face Olympic challenge at T100 London
James Elvery / RaceRanger
RaceRanger anti-draft tech set to be added to motos by next season reveals CEO
Taylor Knibb congratulates Julie Derron at T100 San Francisco 2025
T100 London 2025: Date, start times and how to watch two epic races LIVE
Hayden Wilde Alex Yee Olympic Games Triathlon Paris 2024
Welcome shock as Alex Yee and Hayden Wilde renew rivalry on the French Riviera
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...