The Catalyst: How a Near-Fatal Bike Crash Led to the Kona Ironman World Championship

Welcome sports lovers, Today we talk to Paul Bradford about his incredible journey from a childhood spent in the world of bodybuilding to becoming an Ironman World Championship competitor in Kona, Hawaii. Paul shares the story of a devastating accident that became the catalyst for his greatest athletic achievements and his philosophy on mindset, goal-setting, and never quitting. Key Takeaways From "Heavy Iron" to Triathlete: Paul discusses growing up influenced by his father, a local businessman and a champion bodybuilder, leading Paul to compete and win his father's former title, North Britain Champion. He explains the unlikely journey from not swimming as a kid to ultimately becoming a triathlete. The Road to Kona: Paul shares how he was welcomed into the triathlon community by local, inclusive athletes. He details the progression through race distances (sprint, Olympic, 70.3) until he achieved his goal of qualifying for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, a qualification that took him ten years to earn. The Catalyst: A Near-Fatal Crash: Paul describes the traumatic bike crash he experienced just four weeks before his planned competition, going from 25 mph (40 kph) to a sudden stop using his head as a brake. He suffered multiple fractures and a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Paul reveals he was given only a 10% chance of survival and was airlifted by the Northwest Air Ambulance. Setting Audacious Goals: While recovering in the hospital, unable to walk, talk, or go to the bathroom , Paul set two seemingly impossible goals: to run the London Marathon with a "Good For Age" time within a year, and to go back to Kona. He emphasizes that this comeback was fueled by belief and conviction, not just hope. The Triumphant Return: Paul recounts his successful recovery, returning to work in six months despite an 18-month prognosis, and achieving his goal of running the London Marathon. He ultimately competed in Kona, Hawaii, two years after his accident. The Kona Race Day Battle: He describes the incredible heritage of the Kona course and the surprising challenge of being stung head-to-tail by a swarm of box jellyfish during the swim. The neurotoxin caused delirium, a drooping face, and uncoordination, leading him to fall in transition and creating large blackouts in his memory during the bike leg. Never Ring the Bell: Paul shares his family motto: "We never, ever ring the bell" (never quit). With the support of his family, he finished the grueling race with 20 minutes to spare, stating that the time was irrelevant—what mattered was getting the job done as a family. Paul's Coaching Philosophy: Paul now coaches athletes, focusing on helping them avoid the pain and speed bumps he encountered in his journey. His coaching brand is founded on the principle of "Win the Morning". He advises people to perform their training first thing in the morning—be it swim, bike, run, or a walk—to invest in themselves and become a better version of themselves before the rest of the world requires their energy. BOOK A CALL WITH ME! Call booking link: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/sJX8bHdoj3P7cBoffJFC Green Mamba Tri Coaching Community Link: https://community.greenmambatri.com/communities/groups/greenmamba-tri-community Social Links https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576327959322 http://instagram.com/rob_hardstone https://www.tiktok.com/@rob.hardston Paul Bradford His Book: https://amzn.to/46a4z1H Coaching: https://www.winthemorning.com/ BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION: https://www.winthemorning.com/contact