World’s toughest single-day event in Italy

Rhythm Garg of Taj city becomes the new Iron Man of India

Dedicates his feat to passionate fitness buffs of India

By Brij Khandelwal

Agra September 28 (IANS)

An intense urge to sport the Indian tri-colour at an international competition, and to send out a message to the ageing population in India that any time was good enough to change life-styles for better health, 33-year old Agra’s Rhythm Garg, successfully completed the unique Triathlon-challenge to become india’s new Iron Man.

In the competition held in Cervia, Italy last week (September 22/23) Rhythm finished the challenge in 15 hours and nine minutes, bettering Milind Soman’s record by 15 minutes. The ‘triathlon’ event included non-stop swimming for 3.8 kilometres, cycling 180.2 kms and running a marathon 42.2 kms.

Back home in Agra, Rhythm was accorded a grand public reception that included not only politicians but business and industry leaders who lauded his feat claiming it was inspirational, while students at the 173-year old St Peter’s College where Rhythm studied, cheered his unique achievement.

Talking to IANS, Rhythm said “it was a massive challenge, one that tested not only your physical fitness but also your mental state, endurance, and your stamina. Definitely it’s the toughest sporting challenge in the world, for a single day event. Of course Yoga training was helpful, as I could maintain the balance and control my breathing according to the demands of the situation.” People tend to get emotionally carried away but to maintain calm and composure during those crucial moments, Yoga did help a lot, he added.

He said more than 2800 people of all age groups from all over the world participated in the event. “I trained myself for eight to ten months without a coach. In India we do not have the facilities for such sports, like open swimming in the ocean waters. The immense satisfaction of running with the Indian flag and sporting it at the finishing point, remains unmatched and fills me with a sense of pride, that Indians can do it,” Rhythm said.

Coming from a business family, (director of an engineering company) it was difficult to change lifestyle in the beginning but a firm resolve and disciplined workouts, finally helped. “Credit also goes to my wife who was always there with me and just when I was about to give up, she had soothing and motivating words to inspire me to egg on, which I did, echoing the competition’s slogan Rise and Shine together: Anything is possible.”

Rhythm now wants to work on plans to promote adventure sports in Agra. “We have mountains, deserts, rivers and tough terrain, with so many heritage attractions. I am exploring the event potential but our general apathy towards sports is a huge psychological barrier which has to be overcome.”