Latest news with #IronmanWales
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Sporting world rocked by shock death of much-loved Aussie: ‘So unfair'
Tributes are flowing from across the globe after the unexpected death of much-loved Australian Jay Luke. Luke was a well-known commentator in the triathlon world and could often been seen and heard encouraging athletes as they crossed finish line. The charismatic caller — also known as the 'BondiBadBoy' — lived a globetrotting life, but was a respected member of the Ironman Wales commentary team. Only a week ago he flew into England, saying on his social media page: 'Goooood morning England! The Eagle has Landed! The Man on The Mic is BACK for some Super Summer Announcing Adventures.' Luke was the voice of the triathlon in Tenby (a seaside town in Wales), and Ironman UK broke the shattering news of his death. 'It breaks our hearts to share the devastating news that a dear member of our IRONMAN UK family has passed away,' the organisation said. Triathletes from across the world have been shocked by the death of Ironman emcee Jay Luke. Credit: Instagram '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. '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.' Austriathlon said 'finish lines won't sound the same without Jay Luke'. 'Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of hearing him call them home,' Austriathlon said. NSW Triathlon said the triathlon community had 'lost one of its finest'. 'We are heartbroken to share the devastating news of the passing of Jay Luke,' NSW Triathlon said. 'Jay was a cherished presence at triathlon and multisport events across NSW and Australia. From Club Champs to countless local and national races, he brought unmatched energy, quick wit, and a deeply genuine spirit to every finish line he called. 'More than just a voice, Jay was a true pillar of our community. His humour, kindness, and unwavering support lifted everyone around him — whether on the mic, out on a group ride, or behind the scenes. He made every event brighter, every athlete feel seen, and every moment more memorable. 'This loss cuts deeply. Words fall short, but his spirit will continue to echo in everything we do. 'Our hearts go out to his wife, family, friends, and the many whose lives he touched. We grieve with you. Rest peacefully, Jay. Thank you for everything — until we meet again.' Luke's commentating colleague Paul Kaye said it was 'tragic, devastating news'. 'Victory Alley won't quite be the same again,' Kaye said. 'Triathlon is a niche sport, and within that niche is a small family of announcers and DJs. 'This family lost one of its own.' Ironman photographer Huw Fairclough called Luke 'the entertainer with so much energy'. 'RIP Jay, going to miss you,' he said. Many athletes were also shocked and shattered. 'Jay was the life and soul of the red carpet and finish line and made race day very special for so many,' one athlete said. Another said: 'Jay was amazing, truly a one-of-a-kind person, events won't be the same without him.' Kirribilli running coach Bel Fong said it seemed 'unimaginable that we won't get to share another finish line' with Luke. 'If you didn't know Jay Luke, you would have more than likely heard him call your name over a microphone. He was there for countless triathlon finish lines .... 'Jay was such a character but most of all, he was a friend. Having know him for 10 years, he was always there for a laugh and a heckle. Man, did he love a heckle! He relished every opportunity to get on the mic and ask me in front of thousands of people if I'd found a boyfriend yet! 'But that's who he was. Jay knew everyone's name. He had the gift of the gab and made people laugh with his witty race day banter and light-hearted digs. Commentating is a tough job but he did it with such ease, humour and energy.'It feels strange that I can no longer send him a text, or ask him when he'll be announcing my next embarrassing dating anecdotes again. I'll miss the little 'Elite Energy Front Line' videos he used to make, getting everyone pumped up for race week. He had so many plans for the future and so much life left to live. It feels so unfair and is yet another reminder of how short life truly is.'I want to send all of my love and support to his wife, Paula (whom he loved with his whole being), as well as his training partners at Moore Performance and all of those who knew him.'Rest easy, Jay. I'II keep looking for you; out on the bike and at the next race, hoping to somehow feel your presence again.'
7NEWS
3 days ago
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Tributes flow for Australian triathlon commentator Jay Luke: ‘This loss cuts deeply'
Tributes are flowing from across the globe after the unexpected death of much-loved Australian Jay Luke. Luke was a well-known commentator in the triathlon world and could often been seen and heard encouraging athletes as they crossed finish line. The charismatic caller — also known as the 'BondiBadBoy' — lived a globetrotting life, but was a respected member of the Ironman Wales commentary team. Only a week ago he flew into England, saying on his social media page: 'Goooood morning England! The Eagle has Landed! The Man on The Mic is BACK for some Super Summer Announcing Adventures.' Luke was the voice of the triathlon in Tenby (a seaside town in Wales), and Ironman UK broke the shattering news of his death. 'It breaks our hearts to share the devastating news that a dear member of our IRONMAN UK family has passed away,' the organisation said. '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. '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.' Austriathlon said 'finish lines won't sound the same without Jay Luke'. 'Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of hearing him call them home,' Austriathlon said. NSW Triathlon said the triathlon community had 'lost one of its finest'. 'We are heartbroken to share the devastating news of the passing of Jay Luke,' NSW Triathlon said. 'Jay was a cherished presence at triathlon and multisport events across NSW and Australia. From Club Champs to countless local and national races, he brought unmatched energy, quick wit, and a deeply genuine spirit to every finish line he called. 'More than just a voice, Jay was a true pillar of our community. His humour, kindness, and unwavering support lifted everyone around him — whether on the mic, out on a group ride, or behind the scenes. He made every event brighter, every athlete feel seen, and every moment more memorable. 'This loss cuts deeply. Words fall short, but his spirit will continue to echo in everything we do. 'Our hearts go out to his wife, family, friends, and the many whose lives he touched. We grieve with you. Rest peacefully, Jay. Thank you for everything — until we meet again.' Luke's commentating colleague Paul Kaye said it was 'tragic, devastating news'. 'Victory Alley won't quite be the same again,' Kaye said. 'Triathlon is a niche sport, and within that niche is a small family of announcers and DJs. 'This family lost one of its own.' Ironman photographer Huw Fairclough called Luke 'the entertainer with so much energy'. 'RIP Jay, going to miss you,' he said. Many athletes were also shocked and shattered. 'Jay was the life and soul of the red carpet and finish line and made race day very special for so many,' one athlete said. Another said: 'Jay was amazing, truly a one-of-a-kind person, events won't be the same without him.' Kirribilli running coach Bel Fong said it seemed 'unimaginable that we won't get to share another finish line' with Luke. 'If you didn't know Jay Luke, you would have more than likely heard him call your name over a microphone. He was there for countless triathlon finish lines .... 'Jay was such a character but most of all, he was a friend. Having know him for 10 years, he was always there for a laugh and a heckle. Man, did he love a heckle! He relished every opportunity to get on the mic and ask me in front of thousands of people if I'd found a boyfriend yet! 'But that's who he was. Jay knew everyone's name. He had the gift of the gab and made people laugh with his witty race day banter and light-hearted digs. Commentating is a tough job but he did it with such ease, humour and energy.'It feels strange that I can no longer send him a text, or ask him when he'll be announcing my next embarrassing dating anecdotes again. I'll miss the little 'Elite Energy Front Line' videos he used to make, getting everyone pumped up for race week. He had so many plans for the future and so much life left to live. It feels so unfair and is yet another reminder of how short life truly is.'I want to send all of my love and support to his wife, Paula (whom he loved with his whole being), as well as his training partners at Moore Performance and all of those who knew him.'Rest easy, Jay. I'II keep looking for you; out on the bike and at the next race, hoping to somehow feel your presence again.'
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
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.'
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'I'm running an Ironman Triathlon at 60'
While many of us will be taking advantage of the bank holiday weekend for a bit of rest and relaxation, one man will be in training to push his body to its limits. Ian Russell, an airline pilot from Hereford, is preparing to run his first Ironman Triathlon - at the age of 60. Generally considered one of the toughest one-day races in the world, the event sees competitors swim 2.4 miles (3.9km), cycle 112 miles (180.2km) and then run a full marathon of 26.2 miles (42.1km). "They use to say life begins at 40. Now, 60 is the new 40," said Mr Russell. Although Mr Russell was a keen sportsman when he was younger - he lists climbing Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn among his achievements - work and family commitments had an impact on how active he could be. He later took up running, before joining his local triathlon club. Inspired by some of his fellow members who had taken part, last autumn Mr Russell signed up to the Ironman event in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, this September. "What I didn't realise was that, although it's local and easy to get to, it's actually one of the toughest ones going," he said. Since then, Mr Russell has invested in a coach and trains "most days" - but has suffered a couple of setbacks. "I've had a big operation on my hand," he explained, "which took a few weeks to recover from. And then I broke my foot out training with the triathlon club. "That took a good six to eight weeks to recover from. "So I'm not starting from the best base." He said that, while he was training hard, he was avoiding pushing himself too much. "You might end up injuring yourself, which I can't afford now," he said. "So the idea is just to nurse my old creaking bag of bones through to get to the start line." Mr Russell added he was worried about making a cut off, of two hours 20 minutes, to complete the swim. "I'm definitely not a swimmer," he said. "If you don't make the cut off, you don't even get as far as the bike ride. "All my main part of my training in my mind is revolving around getting through the swimming part. So at least I can get on a bike and… let Mother Nature and tailwinds take their course." Despite this, the athlete said he had no regrets. "I'm proving that age is no barrier to setting bold goals and achieving them," he added. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Thousands 'face the dragon' at Ironman Wales 'World Ironman Championship will be a fun day out' Man with hole in neck to compete in triathlon Ironman
