American Ironman triathlon Age Grouper with dwarfism sets INCREDIBLE Challenge Roth goal

Achieving a sub-10 hour full-distance triathlon is no mean feat for even the most seasoned Age Grouper, for Zachary Josie it would be a quite incredible achievement.

The American Ironman regular has a rare type of dwarfismskeletal dysplasia called Ellis Van Creveld Syndrome, which places significant physical and mental hurdles in front of his endurance goals.

But not to be deterred, the two-time full distance competitor believes he can achieve the incredible goal of breaking that sub-10 barrier at Germany’s iconic Challenge Roth in July.

Sub-10 aim for Josie

Writing in a post on his Instagram account, Josie detailed his ultimate goal for 2025, a sub-10 hour full distance time at one of the Challenge Family’s most prestigious races.

“Having super challenging physical goals and then accomplishing them has been an important part of accepting who I am and my physical limitations. It’s a key factor in how I got over the mental hurdle of having Ellis Van Creveld Syndrome (a rare type of dwarfismskeletal dysplasia) and participating in long course triathlon!

“Even when the goals seem pretty unrealistic for me, I thrive when facing the challenge. That’s why for 2025 I have decided that I want to try to become the first person with dwarfism to finish a Full distance triathlon in 10 hours or less… SUB 10!

While planning for this race, I wanted to choose something iconic…and @challengeroth was an obvious choice for an attempt at Sub10.”

“One of the first YouTube videos I ever watched of long course triathlon was @janfrodeno Roth race in 2016 and getting into the race has been a dream ever since.

“Can I do it, become the first person with dwarfism to go sub 10? I don’t know. Will I become faster, more disciplined and a better all around triathlete if I try? Definitely!

“Hope you’re ready for Challenge Roth 2025!?!?”

Zachary Josie via Instagram

Thousands of fans make Challenge Roth an epic occasion every single year (Photo – Challenge Family).

Roth goal a huge ask for Zachary

It will be no easy task for the American, who has full-distance finishes at both the IRONMAN World Championship in St. George in 2022 (14:46:46) and IRONMAN Texas in 2023 (13:33:33) on his resumé.

He will, however, have to shave more than three-and-a-half hours off his previous best finishing time to achieve his lofty ambition.

What is Ellis Van Creveld Syndrome?

Ellis Van Creveld Syndrone (EVC), is a rare genetic disorder of the skeletal dysplasia, which can cause a number of anomalies in the body.

The type of dwarfism is characterised by short limbs, bowed legs and abnormal bone development. EVC can also lead to decreased flexibility and more discomfort when exercising.

“Doing things my awkwardly shaped body was NOT built to do is my specialty,” Josie stated in his Instagram post detailing that amazing 2025 goal.

Challenge Roth takes place on Sunday, July 6 and is one of the most iconic full-distance races on the calendar.

Set in the Southern German town of Roth, the race consists of a 3.8km swim in the Salida Canal, a two-lap, 180km cycle to the South of the town and a marathon around the vicinity of the host settlement.

Written by

Stuart Dick

Stuart is a graduate of the University of Sunderland with a masters’ degree in Sports Journalism. He spends a lot of his time running and cycling around West Yorkshire, England.

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