India’s Huafrid Billimoria became the second runner-up on 12th March, 2022, in ‘Ironman Dubai 70.3’, one of the world’s toughest triathlons. The 24-year-old, Mumbai-based athlete, achieved this milestone despite having Dystonia (a condition causing involuntary muscle contractions and twisting movements), thus proving that the one thing bigger than your disability is your undaunting ambition.
Organised in Dubai, the triathlon is one of the most challenging triathlons worldwide. The Ironman 70.3 included a 1.9 km swim, followed by a 90 km bicycle ride, and a 21.1 km marathon that needs to be completed within 8 hours, without taking a break. Iron Man became popular in India when actor turned marathon runner, Milind Soman won the race in 2017. Set against the magnanimous 7-star Burj Al-Arab Hotel and Jumeirah beach, Ironman 70.3 kicked off with over 2,500 athletes competing to not just attempt winning, but to just try and finish the race.
Not only did the Ironman of India – Huafrid Billimoria complete the triathlon, he also set a new world record by completing it in 7 hours and 7 minutes (the previous record being 7 hours and 44 mins), to become the fastest Indian with Dystonia and Multiple Disabilities to bag the third position.
Huafrid Billimoria prepared for three years to participate in the Ironman Dubai 70.3, before being invited to compete, thanks to his sponsor – Power Peaks; alongside sponsor Veda Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, which covered his travel and lodging costs. His ambition got the attention of Pune-based coaching academy PowerPeaks Athlete Lab, founded by coach and pro-athlete Chaitanya Velhal, who believed in Huafrid’s abilities and set a trailblazing example for everyone to believe in an ambition as fiery as his.
“Ironman Dubai 70.3 is a dream come true moment for me. It has been a long time calling, I feel elated to secure third place in the triathlon. I am indebted to my sponsors who helped me immensely and without whom I couldn’t have achieved this. It is an honour to represent India internationally,” said Huafrid Billimoria, who is only the second person in the world with Dystonia to have completed the full Ironman.
He has been battling multiple challenges and disabilities including clinical ADHD and mental health conditions like General Anxiety Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). He was diagnosed with severe learning disabilities from the age of five. But despite all odds, Huafrid never considered himself any less due to the disabilities and has proven that a disability doesn’t have to be a state of being. Huafrid wishes to use this winning platform to spread awareness about disability, the lack of empathy and belief in people who wish to get ahead but can’t because of the bias and discrimination surrounding these issues.
Moving forward, Huafrid is further honing himself to achieve other ambitious goals. He is already training for the toughest Ironman in the world, which will take place in April in South Africa. He will also compete in the upcoming Olympics. His sole purpose in participating in these marathons and triathlons is to represent India worldwide and to encourage more individuals like him to go out there and shine!
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