Latest news with #Ironman
Perth Now
a day 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.'
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Less than a month before Rockford's Ironman triathalon, volunteers still needed
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — With less than a month remaining until Ironman Rockford, a 70-mile triathlon race, organizers say they are still in need of volunteers to help with the event. The inagural event is a 70.3-mile half-distance triathlon that comprises swimming, cycling, and running. The swimming leg of the Rockford race will take place in the Rock River, officials said. The running portion was originally going to take place on Madison Street, but due to construction, a new plan was used to utilize Water Street. 'We're going to come through the Sports Factory parking lot. We are going to have to turn left on State Street. We're going to go up Water Street. They're going to do a little turnaround in the Riverview Icehouse, and then they'll come back and they are going to cross to the west side of the river on the (Jefferson) pedestrian street bridge,' said Lindsey Ironman was founded by Judy and John Collins, who competed in the 1974 Mission Bay Triathlon in San Diego. The event inspired the couple to create a similar race for endurance athletes, leading to what in 1978 became the Hawaiian Iron Man Triathlon. Ironman races are now held worldwide. The is scheduled for Sunday, June 22, 2025. The organizer's biggest worry now is finding enough volunteers. I'd say I have a healthy level of anxiety about it. I know that more volunteers will come. It's really picked up over the last couple of weeks. I think people are starting to hear more about it. There's been more of a push on social about it. It's we'll get there, as I like to say,' said Chris Currently, there are about half as many enlisted volunteers needed to run an event the size of Ironman. 'We've got about 650 to 670 unique volunteers at this point. We could use a few hundred more. I think, generally speaking, for an event like this, we need about 1,200 volunteers,' 'What we're trying to do is create an environment that makes the athletes want to come back and do this race over and over again. We want to put our best foot forward so the athletes feel well supported. They get to stay hydrated, they're well-fed, they're taken care of. So we'd always love to have more volunteers,' Volunteers are needed for race day, and registration can be found or by emailing im70.3illinois@ Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bret Hart vs Shawn Michaels: 3 iconic WWE moments from their storied rivalry
Image via WWE Bret Hart vs Shawn Michaels is one of the most iconic WWE rivalries of all time. WWE has seen some of the biggest superstars engage in iconic feuds over the years. From a rising star going up against an established veteran to two top-tier stars vying to become the face of WWE, the promotion has seen it all. One of the biggest rivalries that was a rage in the mid-1990s was between Bret "The Hitman" Hart and Shawn Michaels. The two had completely opposite beliefs as part of the WWE personalities. The Hitman was the Excellence of Execution who preached his in-ring craft and came from a lineage of top wrestlers. On the other hand, The Heartbreak Kid was the notorious and rebellious degenerate coming up with Triple H as part of D-Generation X. With both stars having faced each other many times over the years, here are the three most iconic moments from their rivalry. 3. Iron Man match at WrestleMania Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart had been feuding for months and were set to collide in their biggest match. It was a 60-minute Ironman match with Hart defending his WWE title against Michaels in the main event of WrestleMania 12. From Shawn's epic entrance from the top of the rafters to one of the greatest in-ring matches produced in WWE, it had instant classic written all over it. The match went into sudden death after the score was tied at the end of the hour. Finally, it was Shawn Michaels' Sweet Chin Music on Bret Hart that gave him his first big win in the company. 2. Montreal Screwjob Following years of having blockbuster matches, Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels were ready to clash for the final time at the 1997 WWE Survivor Series for the WWE title. The match took place in his home country of Canada and was Hart's last match before he headed to WCW. In one of the biggest double-crosses of professional wrestling, Vince McMahon called for the bell when Michaels had Hart trapped in the Sharpshooter, and he had not even tapped out. This incident infamously came to be known as the 'Montreal Screwjob.' 1. Buried the hatchet Bret Hart returned to WWE, 12 years after the Montreal Screwjob, as the Guest Host of RAW. He called out his rival, Shawn Michaels with whom he had real-life tensions, both onscreen and offscreen. The duo gave their view on the events of Montreal, and things got a little heated. However, in the end, Hart proposed to bury the hatchet and put it behind them. Michaels agreed, and the duo shook hands and embraced each other in one of the most memorable WWE moments of all time. Also read: Two shocking title changes shake the WWE NXT landscape Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Wales Online
3 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.'
Western Telegraph
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Tributes as Ironman Wales announcer Jay Luke dies suddenly
Tributes are being paid to Australian Jay Luke, who was a much-loved commentator on the iconic event, alongside Paul Kaye and Joanne Murphy. 'Jay was the life and soul of the red carpet and finish line and made race day very special for so many,' said one athlete, following the sad news shared by Ironman UK. In an emotional Facebook post, the organisation said: "It breaks our hearts to share the devastating news that a dear member of our IRONMAN UK family has passed away. More Stories "The life and soul of the red carpet": Jay Luke (Image: Huw Fairclough) "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." Jay Kent helped make the Ironman race day special for thousands of athletes. (Image: Huw Fairclough) Added one tribute: 'Jay was amazing, truly a one-of-a-kind person, events won't be the same without him." Another said: "The red carpet will never be the same again," while there was also praise for Jay as 'one clever and agile commentator'. Meanwhile, an Ironman competitor recalled: "A true part of the epic Ironman experience and him calling me through the finish line is a memory I cherish dearly." Fellow announcer Paul Kaye described Jay's death as 'tragic, devastating news'. He commented: "Victory Alley won't quite be the same again. "Triathlon is a niche sport, and within that niche is a small family of announcers and DJs. "This family lost one of its own."
