By Jackie Byrn
10/31/2005
ONA, Hawaii (CNS) -- A 75-year-old nun who has made history for her participation in Ironman competitions around the world set another record in October at the Ford Ironman World Championships in Kona.
Sister Madonna Buder, a Sister of Christian Community from Spokane, Wash., set a world record as the first female athlete over age 75 to complete the event.
Her time at the finish line was 15 hours, 54 minutes and 16 seconds for the competition comprised of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run.
"By the grace of God, we just squeaked through," Sister Madonna said after the race.
Fellow American Robert McKeague became the first 80-year-old to finish, with a time of approximately 16 hours. More than 2,000 athletes from around the world, including more than 600 from the U.S., competed.
Copyright (c) 2005 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops