Jim Byrne has quickly become the Cal Ripken Jr. of Long Island's triathlon circuit. Not only has the Chippewa Elementary School teacher and Sachem coach participated in the Island's three most difficult races recently, he's won them all. He's a true ironman.
Last weekend, Byrne won the Inaugural Smith Point Sprint Triathlon with a total time of 55:38. The race, like the others he has participated in, consists of a 500-meter swim, a 20K bike ride and a 5K run.
"It's a great feeling to win," he said. "Just to wake up each morning and be able to be active is something special. It's something we should all be grateful for."
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RELATED: Bryne wins Montauk Sprint Triathlon
Over the summer, Byrne, a Sachem grad and freshman football coach at Sachem High School North, won the Great South Bay and Montauk Sprint Triathlons.
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Every race is in honor of his mother Veronica, who passed away from leukemia in December at the age of 66.
At Smith Point, Byrne was flanked by his family (older sister Theresa, nephews A.J. and Michael, younger sister Regina and niece Danielle). It was also his dad's first time at a race, "which made it emotional," he said, "and even more emotional because there was one special person missing from my fan club … my mom. She would have loved to see me race and more importantly, win."
RELATED: Byrne wins Great South Bay triathlon
Byrne's next race is Aug. 29 when he competes in the Tobay Sprint Triathlon.
For those wondering, sprint triathlons are indeed shorter.
"Short and very painful," Byrne said, "but a good pain, especially when you win them."
RELATED: Sachem teachers/coaches spend summer life guarding
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