When competing in the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) Annual Ironman competition, Lieutenant Ricardo Barry continues to prove that he is the man to beat. To be considered the best all-around athlete in the Defence Force, a number of individuals once again competed for the prestigious Ironman title.

Now in its 11th year, two new champions were crowned during the annual competition at the Coral Harbour Base. Lieutenant Barry literally ran away with the competition for a record fourth time after not competing last year. Woman Marine Rikeisha Thompson captured the crown in the open female category.

The annual competition features the most athletic male and female officers and marines the force has to offer, and gives its winners coveted bragging rights for one full year. Male participants must complete a 500-meter (m) swim, cycle eight miles and run a three-mile road race. Their female counterparts are required to complete a shortened circuit comprising the mentioned events.

For a fourth straight year, the men's champion from the previous year was not present to defend his crown. Due to service obligations, Lieutenant Derrick Ferguson was not available to compete. Lieutenant Barry won in a time of 52 minutes and 16 seconds. Marine Seaman Chadwick Eneas was second in a time of 57 minutes and 28 seconds, and Sub Lieutenant Edward Fritz had to settle for third place, in a time of one hour and seven minutes.

Barry said: "I was impressed to see the younger guys stepping up and competing. I wanted to see more competition, and that is what I had hoped for, in deciding to come out of retirement and compete again. To be successful in the Ironman competition, one has to put in a lot of work and training for all three disciplines."

There were only two competitors in the female category. Woman Marine Rikeisha Thompson completed the shortened female's version of the grueling circuit in 54 minutes and two seconds and Able Woman Marine Denise Oliver placed second in a time of one hour and 11 minutes.

In the team segment of the competition, the veteran team comprising Arthur McDonald, Brian Miller and Gharvis Sturrup were the lone competitors. They clocked 51 minutes and 27 seconds to secure the team title. Organizers of the event were pleased with the competition, but according to Petty Officer Ramone Storr, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force has more talents that individuals can showcase in events such as this.

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