Ironman legend who welcomed thousands of competitors across the finish line has died
Ironman legend who welcomed thousands of competitors across the finish line has died
Jay Luke was a familiar face and voice to thousands of people who have taken part in or watched Ironman events in Tenby over the years
Jay Luke
(Image: Huw Fairclough/IRONMAN Wales )
Tributes have been paid to an Ironman legend who cheered and welcomed thousands of competitors over the line in a flagship Welsh event has died, organisers have confirmed.
Ironman Wales takes place every September in Tenby, Pembrokeshire. One of the event's commentators, Australian Jay Luke, would have been a familiar face and voice to thousands of athletes and spectators alike as he would often take his place near the finishing line on the town's Esplanade. Tragically, Ironman Wales has announced that Mr Luke has died.
In a post shared on social media, organisers said: 'It breaks our hearts to share the devastating news that a dear member of our IRONMAN UK family has passed away.
'Jay Luke, who has called thousands of athletes across the line during their IRONMAN journey over the past nine years, was part of the fabric of our team. His presence, humour, and unwavering support were felt by everyone lucky enough to know him.
'From the jokes, laughs, coffee missions and unmatched travelling cap collection to his infectious energy on the finish line, his absence leaves a huge hole in our hearts. We will carry his spirit in all we do.
Article continues below
'We are heartbroken, and our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his wife, family, friends, and all who loved him. Rest in peace, Jay - it won't be the same without you.'
Jay Luke at an Ironman event in England
(Image: Huw Fairclough )
Scores of tributes to Mr Luke were paid on social media. One person said:' Such sad news. Glad to have shared some fun times on the mic with you, plus a few beers, coffees and pizzas too when we eventually got a chance to relax. Rest in peace.'
Article continues below
Another wrote: 'Spent the last three years volunteering at Ironman Wales with Jay. Such a lovely bloke, was always smiling, chirpy & always happy to chat.'
One man said: 'Oh my goodness, this is such sad news. Deepest sympathies to Jay's family and close friends/colleagues. He was one of the most genuine and down to earth members of the Triathlon community, always had time for everyone.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Argus
27 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
Tredegar House to host Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2027
The 17th Century house has been called home to some of the most powerful and influential families in the area, with its stunning 90-acre grounds making it a perfect site for the Eisteddfod. Llio Maddocks, the Urdd's Art and Eisteddfod Director says: 'I am so pleased to see Newport City Council and the whole of Gwent community's support to hosting the Eisteddfod in 2027. "Tredegar House looks like the perfect site for us organisers. One of the most important elements of Eisteddfod yr Urdd is the fact that it's a travelling festival and therefore visit areas that have never hosted the festival before. "I very much look forward to working with the Council and local community over the next two years to provide valuable experiences for children and young people of the area.' 'We are delighted that Tredegar House has been confirmed as the venue for Eisteddfod yr Urdd's first ever visit to Newport in 2027', said Councillor Emma Corten, Newport City Council's cabinet member for culture and communications. 'Hosting more major events and increasing the use of Welsh in our cultural offer are both parts of our long-term cultural strategy for the city. Eisteddfod yr Urdd, one of Wales's largest cultural events, will help us as we work to deliver on both of those goals. 'We're keen to involve as many businesses and community groups, both in the city centre and across Newport, as possible in the celebrations, so that as many people as possible experience the buzz of a major cultural event. We cannot wait for our city to play host to visitors from across Wales and beyond in two years' time.' Lizzie Smith Jones, National Trust Cymru General Manager for Tredegar House said: 'We're incredibly proud to be welcoming Eisteddfod yr Urdd to Tredegar House and parkland in 2027. It's a huge moment for Newport and our community - we're looking forward to playing our part in the celebrations of Welsh language, culture and creativity, and championing Wales' future generations.'
South Wales Argus
28 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
Newport weekend round-up: Pirates in the Port, gigs, theatre
From music festivals to family fun days, there's something for everyone in the city. Kicking off the weekend on Saturday, May 31, is the Pirates In The Port Sea Shanty Festival. (Image: Supplied) The event, organised by local Welsh shanty group Bois Y Bryn, will bring the tradition of sea shanties and folk music to life. From 11am to 7pm, multiple venues in the city centre, including The Riverfront Theatre, will host this lively festival. Entry is free and no booking is required. On the same day, Brazilian thrash crossover band Ratos De Porão will perform at The Cab, Newport. (Image: Supplied) The intimate gig, supported by bands Harrowed, Zero Again, Rank, and Mortal Karcass, will start at 6.30pm. A small number of tickets will be available on the door. (Image: Supplied) The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time continues its run at the Dolman Theatre. Presented by Dolman Theatreworks, the play tells the story of a gifted boy, Christopher Boone, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery while investigating the killing of a dog. The show will be performed on Saturday, May 31, at 7.15pm. Sunday, June 1, sees the return of the free family event, A Teddy Bears Picnic, at the top of Beechwood Park. (Image: Supplied) From 2pm to 5pm, attendees can enjoy a cartoon character disco, inflatable slides and castles, face painting, dance act performances, musical performances, bubble fun, a parrot display, and more. Families are encouraged to bring their favourite teddy and a picnic blanket. With such a wide range of activities on offer, there's no shortage of things to do in Newport this weekend. Whether you're a music lover, theatre enthusiast, or looking for a fun family day out, Newport has it all. So, whether you're planning to sing along with the shanty singers, rock out to Ratos De Porão, watch the adventures of Christopher Boone, or join in the fun at the Teddy Bears Picnic, Newport has a weekend full of activities to round off half-term. Enjoy the festivities and make the most of the weekend.
Western Telegraph
6 hours ago
- Western Telegraph
Wynne Evans dropped by BBC after Strictly tour apology
Talking about his departure on Instagram, he thanked his followers and shared that the broadcaster 'has decided not to renew my contract'. The decision by the BBC comes after the Welsh opera singer's apology for using 'inappropriate language' during the launch of the Strictly Come Dancing tour. Captioning the post on the social media platform, he said: 'It breaks my heart to say the BBC has decided not to renew my contract so I won't be returning to my radio show. I'm gutted. 'That show wasn't just work — it was home. It was us. We laughed, we cried, we sang like nobody was listening. And somehow, through the airwaves, we became a family.' Thanking his fans, he added: 'From the very depths of my heart — thank you. These past few months, your love has been the light in my darkest days. Every message, every word of encouragement, every moment you stood by me has carried me through more than you could ever know.' Despite Evans' BBC contract not being renewed, he has announced that The Wynne Evans Show is returning to Alexa, Google and will be available to listen on his website too. The show will be live daily and run from 9 am until 12 pm. Announcing the news in the same Instagram post, he wrote: 'This is our next adventure. And I need you more than ever. 'We will have great music, my question of the day, the mystery voice, your soundtrack stories and so much more, because we have each other again. We have a new home. I'm bringing more presenters soon and I am sure you'll recognise a few of the faces. Recommended reading: 'Please — sign up for the newsletter, tell your friends, share the link, and help me make a noise so loud nobody can ignore it. Most of all, tune in. I will be there every day so let's light it up together. 'I'm full of nerves. Full of hope. Full of love. Because when we show up for each other — like we always have — anything is possible.' A spokesperson for the BBC told Newsquest: 'Wynne Evans is not under contract with the BBC. 'He is not returning to the mid-morning show on BBC Radio Wales and there are currently no plans to work with him'.
