Ironman flexes his muscles with help from Bury Leisure

Bury’s own Ironman, Bartek Holda, is being helped by Bury Council to fulfil his dream of international success.

Bartek has been granted free access to use the leisure facilities so he can compete at the highest level, which he has already done for Team GB.

He has qualified for the Ironman World Championship which will be held in October in Hawaii. It follows his recent appearance at the UK Ironman competition in Bolton, which he completed in 10m 35s, and he will soon be competing in the Welsh Ironman event in September.

 “I am very passionate about sport, and have been since I was very young,” said Bartek, whose day job is running BH Physiotherapy Clinic in Bury.

“Ever since I can remember I tried different sports, from karate to basketball, but I have never felt as
passionate about any sport more than triathlons. It all began with me challenging myself to run a marathon, which was in a week’s time – in retrospect, not the smartest idea!

“I like to challenge myself to do new things, and pushing myself for better results each time motivates me to carry on competing.”

Bartek, aged 40, competes regularly in long distance triathlons (half-Iron Man and Iron Man). He was a member of the GB Team and represented GB at the ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championship 2013. He also supports the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Trust, a charity he chose because a close family member has been diagnosed with this chronic condition.

He added: “I’d like to thank Bury Leisure for all their support, which will help me compete at the highest levels and help raise the profile of Bury itself.

“Training is different every day. It usually consists of two of the following: swim, bike and run. I try to train for at least two to three hours a day, but it varies depending on the time I have available. I usually complete two longer training sessions during the weekend, which can take up to six hours each day.

“If you want to get into exercise, my advice would be to start small. This will motivate you to set a bigger goal and, as it continues, it becomes a habit, and you find that as you reach one goal you’re already planning the next. Before you know it, you’re hooked. The most important part is to enjoy it.” 

Bartek would also like to thank Leisure Lakes Bikes and V02 Sportswear for their sponsorship, and Bolton University.

ENDS

Press release issued: 9 September 2014.

Picture attached: Bartek Holda.