With only a few kilometres to go in the 2025 Ironman World Championship, Sub-Lieutenant Gus Coleman’s body screamed for him to stop.

After swimming 3.8km in the Mediterranean and cycling 180 of the toughest kilometres Ironman has to offer, he could feel his body shutting down in the last half of the marathon.

“You’re getting tingly, your legs start to shake and cramp,” Sub-Lieutenant Coleman said.

“Everything physically is telling you to stop.”

His body wanted to quit.

His mind kept him going.

The Maritime Logistics Officer dedicated the last 10km to 10 people in his life who helped him get to Ironman’s biggest stage.

It was a journey that started in Port Macquarie, where the endurance athlete qualified for a spot at the World Championship.

This year’s male Ironman championship was held on September 14, in Nice, France, where athletes from around the world pushed the limits of endurance across the picturesque French Riviera.

Sub-Lieutenant Coleman was one of three Navy athletes to take part, with Commander Simon Glastonbury and Leading Seaman Riley Surendra-Nicholas.

Balancing Navy and Ironman life was a tough task for Sub-Lieutenant Coleman and Leading Seaman Surendra-Nicholas, who were posted to ships in the lead-up.

Countless laps on the ship’s deck and kilometres on the stationary bike were no substitute.

“My final calorie count for the Ironman race was 7889, which I like to equate to roughly 31 croissants,” Sub-Lieutenant Coleman said.

“Trust me when I say I did my absolute best to put it all back on the very next day.”