Student heading to Hawaii for Ironman World Championships

Released: 31.08.23

Connie Baker, a BA Outdoor Adventure Education student at Plymouth Marjon University, is heading to Hawaii to compete in one of the world’s most strenuous competitions. Connie has been a sport competitor from a young age. 

Connie, now in her third year at Plymouth Marjon, is less than £2,000 from the £10,000 goal which will help fund her place and travel to the North American-based challenge. The championship will see athletes take on a 140.6-mile journey, and will present the ultimate test of body, mind, and spirit.  

The historic KONA race will take athletes through the clear waters of Kailua Bay, along the wind-swept coast, and through the barren lava fields of the Island of Hawaii, providing a unique setting for the ultimate test of strength. 

The University is supporting Connie with scholarship funding, sports kit, and special training including time in the Marjon Sport & Health Centre’s environmental chamber which will help Connie condition her body to perform in Hawaii’s hot temperatures and varied air pressure. 

Connie said: 

“I’m really looking forward to the championships. I’ve had a passion for sport from a very young age, so being able to compete at this level at my age is something I’m really proud of. I’m grateful to Marjon for the support and training they have given me to help me get this far.” 

Director of Sport and Physical Activity at the University, Laurence Gully, added: 

“Students like Connie, who show such commitment and discipline to their sport, are exactly what we look for in a student applying for a sport scholarship at Marjon. We hope our support will help Connie achieve great things as she makes her way to the Ironman Championship.” 

If you want to help Connie get to Hawaii and achieve her goal of competing in this gruelling competition, donate to her GoFundMe campaign here. 

Learn more about the Marjon Sport & Health Centre offer here, and Ironman World Championship here.