Fleming determined after chilling disappointment

CHRIS BRAMWELL | 2nd March 2005

After being hauled from Lake Taupo suffering severe hypothermia in last year's New Zealand Ironman you'd think Neil Fleming would be entitled to bypass the 2005 race - but he hasn't.

"I have unfinished business," the 68-year-old told the Daily Post as he tapered towards the 7am start of Saturday's Bonita-sponsored race.

Last year was the first time Fleming had attempted an Ironman triathlon - a mind-boggling, energy-sapping personal battle across a 3.8km swim, 179.2km cycle and 42.2km marathon.

Lake Taupo is warmer now than it was 12 months ago so Fleming is hoping to avoid a repeat of last year's chilling disappointment. The lake temperature had dropped to less than 16C last year when it is normally about 19C.

"I knew when I was swimming [last year] that I was not performing as well as I should have been, but I didn't know I was cold," Fleming said.

"The support crew told me I was well over the cut-off time, but I could finish the swim if I wanted. I realised at that stage that there wasn't much point."

The last thing Fleming remembers is being pulled into the support boat. His body temperature just 27C, he was virtually in a coma and it took more than three hours for medical staff to warm him up.

This year's swim will again be a challenge, not only for Fleming but also for his wife Jan, who will be working in the recovery tent.

"I'll be keeping an eye on the lake," she said.

The couple moved to Taupo three years ago after selling their dairy farm in Matamata and living in such a sporty area, Fleming quickly got involved in multisport.

After volunteering at a few earlier Ironman races, he decided it was perhaps achievable for him.

He completed his first marathon about 40 years ago but swimming and cycling were new to him.

"Having to learn to swim properly after 50 years was quite a challenge. The cycling was not so difficult, the first two hours are the worst, then you wander off into your own thoughts," he said.

Fleming is the 2004 world masters marathon champ for his age group.

"I have done a lot of marathons. Running is generally my strength but when it is on top of the other two events it will be a different story," he said.

After a gruelling swim and cycle, being faced with a marathon run is something most people can't really comprehend. Fleming said a strong belief in himself was what would get him through.

"You have to believe in yourself and believe in the preparation that you have done.

"This year I just want to finish the race."

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