2XU ‘weekend warrior’ sponsorships are hard to come by, but we just couldn’t resist supporting the incredible efforts of this seriously determined athlete, Liam Friary.  At present, Friary is training for Ironman NZ in attempt to qualify for this year’s Hawaiian Ironman World Champs. This marks an extraordinary turnaround for the 27 year old Kiwi  known as ‘ Big Boy’, who tipped the scales at 134kg just four years back!

“Back then, the thought of competing in a Triathlon let alone an Ironman was so extreme and foreign to me,” said Friary.  “My life was extreme on another level, indulging in food and alcohol, partying and certainly not exercising.”

That was enough of a wakeup call.  It wasn’t long before Liam began snowboarding and surfing; sports he grew up on, and noticed small but significant differences. A gym membership followed, the weight continued to drop and he was soon able to participate in higher intensity cardio sessions.

His mum challenged him to an open water swim, which he took to with ease due to his love of water. Next was a 2XU Stroke + Stride event, with run included.  In 2010, he weighed 95kgs and the idea of doing an ‘Ironman’ was thrown around.

“It was time to get a bike and put the last piece of the jigsaw together.”

Liam quickly instituted a long and grueling training regime – he was determined to take on one of the toughest races on the planet- Ironman NZ.  

“It felt like a huge task, but when broken down into pieces, seemed achievable.”

Now weighing 78kgs, Liam completed the Taupo Half Ironman last December in 5 hours 13 minutes. “It gave me a sense of great achievement, but I gained more respect for how tough this sport was.”

With 3 weeks to go all the hard work is done, it’s now fine tuning and keeping his excitement and nerves under control.

“Ironman, once was just to finish, now it’s how fast and hard I can push my mind and body.”

 Awesome work Liam – all at Team 2XU wish you one seriously multiplied human performance at Ironman New Zealand!