Loughlin Campion is an Irish endurance athlete who crossed the finish line of the 2025 IRONMAN World Championship in Nice as the fastest Irish athlete, and whilst that deserves much respect and admiration, his journey to the race start line is truly an inspirational one of resilience, grit and the relentless pursuit of possibility.
A lifelong runner, inspired by his father’s love of athletics, Loughlin’s path to sporting success was abruptly interrupted a number of years ago when he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis; a chronic illness that brought daily struggles, physical setbacks and mental health challenges. For a time, his future in sport seemed uncertain as he grappled with fatigue, stress and the impact of a condition that literally turned life upside down.
With the support of family and friends, when Loughlin finally found his way to remission he began rebuilding his life around new sporting challenges. Triathlon became his focus, providing an opportunity not only to reignite his passion for running but to push himself further than he ever imagined.
His return to competitive sport has been remarkable. He completed IRONMAN Italy last year in 8:54, finishing in the top 20 on debut at the distance, earning his slot for the 2025 IRONMAN World Championship in Nice.
Race day in Nice tested every ounce of his preparation and resolve, from the technical bike course to nutrition strategies and mishaps, Loughlin embraced and surmounted each challenge ultimately crossing the finish line in a superb time of 9:34:44. The performance cemented his status as the fastest Irishman at the World Championship, a milestone that spoke not only to his athletic ability but to his perseverance in the face of adversity.
His story shines a light on the challenges of living with chronic illness, the importance of support networks, and the power of determination in rewriting what is possible.
As he looks toward new goals, whether improving his run speed or preparing for future IRONMAN races, Loughlin’s story reminds us that every setback is a setup for a comeback, and that every finish line, no matter how big or small the occasion, deserves to be celebrated.
