MANILA, Philippines — Petr Lukosz of the Czech Republic delivered his most memorable triumph to date by topping the Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines presented by Big Boss Cement in Subic Bay, Zambales yesterday.
Lukosz, 40, shrugged off rust caused by the lack of competitions over a two-year span due to the pandemic and survived extreme conditions, including the scorching heat, to rule the race in nine hours, 52 minutes and 34 seconds.
So impressive was Lukosz’ feat that it took more than an hour before his closest pursuers crossed the finish line.
The effort earned the towering Lukosz a spot to the IRONMAN World Championships slated Oct. 6 and 8 in Kona, Hawaii where he first debuted five years ago.
It was also a big improvement to his performance when the first IRONMAN event was brought to the country for the first time four years ago in Subic.
Lukosz was then competing as an age-grouper (male 35-39 years old) when he emerged as the fastest and earned him a spot to the Kona meet, considered the Olympics of full-distance IRONMAN.
It was a feat in itself as only three pro male participants and a female pro entry were faster then.
Four years later, Lukosz came back to win it all.