David Torres Rivera, 23, this Sunday became the first Puerto Rican with Down syndrome to complete the Ironman 70.3 in Puerto Rico, a test of 1,300 athletes from 45 countries.
Torres himself, better known as “El Delfin Boricua,” said on his Facebook account with a photo of the competition’s medals step.
Torres finished 52nd among all contenders and 38th in the men’s section.
The trio also thanked Ironman 70.3 for highlighting his achievement, and everyone who worked there and his MFS-Manda Fuego System (TDR) teammates for their faith in him and his coaches.
In this way, Torres joins American Chris Nikic as the only athletes with Down syndrome to finish Iron Man.
Nikic completed the audition in 2020 at the age of 21.
Meanwhile, Torres began participating in Special Olympics at the age of eight.
During the 2012 Special Olympics Central American Games in Panama, he won the gold medal in the 200-meter freestyle.
The 2022 edition of Iron Man 70.3 in Puerto Rico was won by American Brno Melo and Canadian Deborah Eckhaus in the men’s and women’s competitions, respectively.
Milo completed the swim, bike and half marathon competition in 4:14:08, while Eckhaus finished the test in 4:49:47, the event organizer said in a press release.
Second place in the men’s went to Oliver Noglot of Guadeloupe with a time of 4:17:47, followed by Anthony Didion of the United States with a time of 4:24:13.
As for the women, second place went to Brenda Schaub of the Dominican Republic, with a time of 4:53:53, followed by Melissa Rios La Luz of Puerto Rico, with a time of 4:55:25.
The 2023 edition of Ironman 70.3 Puerto Rico will take place on Sunday, March 19 next year.
