Lee Stewart and Art Dwigans recently competed in the Florida Ironman competition in Panama City Beach, Florida Nov

Monday, November 21, 2005

Lee Stewart and Art Dwigans recently competed in the Florida Ironman competition in Panama City Beach, Florida Nov. 5.

The competition involves 2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of cycling and 26.2 miles of running to finish the race.

At 60-years-old, after 11 months of training, Stewart finished the competition in 14 hours, 34 minutes and 24 seconds.

"I feel so blessed to have a body that could do this at 60, but realize that it didn't just happen," Stewart said. "Luck plays a part in the scheme of all things, but years of physical fitness has given me those rewards."

Although Dwigans was unable to finish the race in the allotted time, he was lucky to even make it to the starting line. Dwigans had surgery in February and suffered a broken bone in his hand shortly before competition. Despite the complications, Dwigans chose to follow through in his dream.

"His family and friends are so proud of him and impressed with his perserverence and dedication in the pursuit of his dream," Dwigans' friend Christina Bittles said.

Both said they hope to compete in another competition soon.

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