An Ocala teen is hoping to set the world record as the youngest autistic female to complete an IRONMAN World Championship in history.Â
Adrienne Bunn, an 18-year-old high school senior, will compete in the event in Hawaii on Saturday, according to an article published by IRONMAN on October 6.Â
Bunn was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at the age of four. On Saturday, she hopes to complete her “first full-distance triathlon in Kona,” according to the organization. By doing so, Bunn will become the “first openly autistic female” to complete the race.Â
According to IRONMAN, Bunn’s mother, June, says her daughter was introduced to running through a challenge issued by a physical education teacher, who would give a silver foot charm to add to a necklace for every mile a student ran.
“Giving her things to do helped keep her occupied, and she liked the tangible element of the charm,” according to June. “Running totally transformed her. It just calmed her.”Â
Bunn balances her school work with around 20 hours of training per week, according to IRONMAN.Â
To watch Adrienne Bunn compete in this year’s event, watch the live broadcast of the 2023 VinFast IRONMAN World Championships.Â
To read the complete article, Transformed by Triathlon: Adrienne Bunn, visit the IRONMAN website.Â
To make a contribution to help her on her journey, visit the Adrienne Bunn page on Kulture City.Â
Bunn is one of several young athletes from Ocala that have represented the city on a national stage this year.Â
Joseph A. Sorrentino, III took first place in the boys javelin throw (8-under) at the 2023 Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympic Games this summer. Mateo Olvera claimed third place in the long jump for his age group at the same event.
Rainey Elite Speed, which was founded this year by Chris Rainey, had 11 of its athletes qualify to participate in the Junior Olympic Games, with many setting personal bests during the meet.Â
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