Ed Payne, a participant from Tulsa, was over the halfway point of the 20-kilometer cycle on Sunday when a problem with his bike developed. Ed was competing in the John Tully Hospice triathlon.

According to the Roscommon Herald, Payne noted that the rear derailleur was becoming slacker, and around 9 km from the next change, right outside Ballintubber, it fully snapped, going straight through the wheel.

Payne picked up the bike and carried it to the conclusion of the stage before starting the 5 km run because he was determined to complete it because it was the first competition he and his wife had joined together.

Payne said, “I wasn't going home without a medal,” adding, “It's not a heavy bike, sling it on your back. I did some running and walking.

“My bike did 10 kilometres for me; I had to carry it back, no big deal.”