Wave, Wind, and Will: Triple Victor Team Takes on IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast 2023

In the picturesque setting of Panama City Beach, the IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast 2023 unfolded, offering every participant a strenuous course featuring unpredictable waters and punishing heat. The Triple Victor team, consisting of Chris Melton, Chris Ren, Robert Palestina, Michael Quillen, and Jim Briggs, showcased determination and stamina in the face of these challenges.

During the opening act in the Gulf’s erratic waters, the athletes proved their mettle. Chris Melton handled unexpected challenges during the swim commendably, noting, “Proud of the way I handled the things that happened during the swim,” as he clocked a 57-minute finish. Chris Ren had a more taxing experience, forgetting his motion sickness medication, which exacerbated his ordeal in the turbulent waters, leading to a 51-minute swim. Equally enduring, Jim Briggs faced jellyfish stings and cramps but soldiered on to complete the segment in 49 minutes. Robert Palestina and Michael Quillen also set a strong pace, finishing in 40 and 44 minutes, respectively, giving the team a solid start.

As they transitioned to the biking segment, each athlete grappled with their unique challenges. Chris Ren’s ordeal continued; still reeling from motion sickness, he removed his timing chip while shedding his wetsuit and left it behind. Keeping his composure, Ren retraced his steps to T1 to obtain a new chip, then courageously pedaled on, completing the segment in 3:13. Chris Melton felt he could have pushed harder but noted the necessity of stopping at aid stations to refill his bottles, a strategy to counter the taxing heat and the headwinds he faced in the last 10 miles into T2, eventually finishing in 3:08.

Meanwhile, Jim Briggs set a personal record with a time of 2:54, even securing a top-10 bike split in his age group, a precursor to his 11th place overall finish in the age category. Robert Palestina and Michael Quillen amplified the team’s strong showing, posting remarkable times of 2:32 and 2:28, respectively.

The final run segment brought Panama City Beach’s tropical climate into full play, pushing the athletes to their limits. Ren focused on hydration to manage the sweltering conditions, while Briggs found an ingenious solution in a found ziplock bag to carry ice and cool down.

Robert Palestina achieved his goal, posting a sub-5 70.3 with a 1:37 run split, and secured the 17th place in his age group. Michael Quillen ran a steady race, finishing 24th in his age category with a 1:56 split. Chris Melton showcased perseverance with a 2:50 run split, landing 85th in his age category.

When the dust settled on the IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast 2023, it emerged as a testament to the Triple Victor team’s synergy, dedication, and strategic approach to tackling such an arduous course. Each member not only stood tall individually but also upheld the Triple Victor ethos, narrating a story of personal victories woven through unity, resilience, and unfaltering spirit.