When Jeff and Johnny Agar take on the brutal challenge of IRONMAN Kona later today (Saturday), they will have one very special and inspirational message in their ears, thanks to Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson
The wrestling star, movie star and all-round celebrity behemoth has been captivated by the story of the father and son team, who will bid to make triathlon history at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship on the Big Island.
And as the countdown to race day hotted up, he sent an incredible message of strength and love to the pair, who overcome huge challenges to pursue their sporting dreams.
Team Agar overcoming huge challenges
Hailing from Rockford, MI, USA, Jeff and Johnny are the father and son duo who make up Team Agar. Johnny has cerebral palsy, but that hasn’t stopped him and his father Jeff from pushing their limits with endurance challenges. Starting with their first 5km together in 2009, to their first half Ironman triathlon in 2015.
This is a family who are no strangers to determination. In 2012, Johnny decided he wanted to walk a mile in a race – having only ever walked 23 steps before. Nine months later, he completed a mile in a 5km race with hundreds of people cheering him on.
The duo first had the opportunity to race in Kona in 2016, but the day ended in disappointment when they missed the bike cut-off. Not discouraged, this was to be the start of their journey – not the end. The pair has since completed multiple 70.3s including IRONMAN 70.3 Boulder, IRONMAN 70.3 Traverse City, and IRONMAN 70.3 Muncie. But they held on to the dream to complete a full IRONMAN and have the opportunity to finish what they started in Kona. In September 2022, after five failed full Ironman distance attempts, Jeff and Johnny – Team Agar – completed IRONMAN Maryland, with four minutes to spare. Johnny walked across the finish line.
Today in Kona (Saturday October 26), Team Agar will return to the Kona start line seeking redemption and the chance to realise a dream they’ve pursued with grit, determination and unwavering self-belief – choosing to persevere where many would have given up long ago.
‘The Rock’ captivated by triathlon journey
That perseverance has won them a very special admirer in the shape of Johnson, and it’s a mutual love with Johnny being one of the greatest fans of ‘The Rock’.
So you can imagine the joy and emotion when ‘The Rock’ sent Team Agar a very special video message this week, quite simply there was not a dry eye in the house.
Johnson told them: “Hey, this is a very very special message to two very very special human beings. Dwayne Johnson here – also known as ‘The Rock’. I just wanted to check in, Johnny I heard that you are a big fan of mine and dude, I so appreciate that.
“I’m honoured, I have seen your story and I’ve been inspired by your story, you and your dad. Your strength, your heart. In Polynesian language we have a word called mana and when you guys go to Hawaii for Ironman, and I think you’re probably already there, it means strength and power and spirit and Johnny – that’s what you have and that’s what you share with the world.
“I’m so grateful that you’re a fan of mine and I’m your biggest fan. Have an amazing Ironman – I can’t wait to see the results. Jeff, speaking as a father, I can’t say much – I’m gonna get emotional – I love and admire you. That is a true example of what a great father is all about.”
Of course, it goes without saying, that we join ‘The Rock’ in wishing Jeff and Johnny the very best of luck today!
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