KLAGENFURT, Austria (July 19, 2001)—Steven F. Teslik, vice president of Management Information Services for the Rubber Manufacturers Association, won one of 40 slots—and one of only two in his age group—for the World Championship Ironman triathlon in Hawaii this October.
Mr. Teslik was one of approximately 1,500 competitors at the Ironman Europe competition in Klagenfurt, which serves as the qualifying round for the Hawaii event. Mr. Teslik said he finished seventh overall out of “80 or 90” competitors in his age group, but won a berth in the Hawaii competition because those ahead of him either already had a spot in the world championship from last year's competition or couldn't make the trip to Hawaii.
The Ironman triathlon is a grueling athletic competition consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile cycling course and 26.2-mile marathon, all of which must be completed in one day.