An Ocala teen became the youngest autistic female to complete the IRONMAN World Championship last weekend, finishing the race in under 13 hours.
Adrienne Bunn, who is an 18-year-old high school senior, finished the triathlon in 12:41:18 on Saturday, October 14, becoming the youngest female athlete diagnosed with autism to complete the triathlon.
Held in Kona, Hawaii, the IRONMAN World Championship featured a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride, and a 26.22-mile marathon.
According to the organizers of the competition, Bunn finished the swim in 1:33:12, before spending 6:45:36 on the 112-mile bicycle ride. She finished with a marathon time of 4:10:20.
A week before the race, IRONMAN highlighted Bunn and her record attempt, which was her first attempt at a full-distance triathlon.
Adrienne was diagnosed with autism when she was 4 and was introduced to running through a challenge issued by a physical education teacher, according to her mother, June Bunn.
“Giving her things to do helped keep her occupied, and she liked the tangible element of the charm,” stated June. “Running totally transformed her. It just calmed her.”
To read the complete article highlighting Bunn’s life and accomplishments, read Transformed by Triathlon: Adrienne Bunn.
Bunn joins several athletes from Ocala that have represented the city on a national stage this year.
That includes Joseph A. Sorrentino III, who took first place in the boys javelin throw (8-under) at the 2023 Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympic Games this summer. At the same event, Mateo Olvera claimed third place in the long jump for his age group.
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.
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