Ballito’s Paul Shackleton charted a remarkable comeback from rock bottom to becoming South Africa’s second-fastest amateur Ironman finisher in history.

The 43-year-old completed Ironman Tallinn in Estonia on August 22 in 8:30:08, winning the 40-44 age group and finishing seventh overall.

The performance shaved almost an hour off his previous best and qualified him for next year’s world championships in Hawaii.

It is an incredible turnaround for Shackleton, who three-and-a-half years ago was at the lowest point of his life.

After losing his father and his business during Covid, he turned to alcohol and said he sometimes could not see a future for himself.

Exercise offered a way out.

“One day I just hopped on my bike and it gave me some direction.”

Shackleton got sober, entered his first half Ironman in Durban and began using training as an outlet. A few good race results prompted a pivot to serious training.

“I was told I was too old, that I didn’t have it in me. Ironman might not be for everyone, but I hope to inspire people to chase their own challenges, whatever the situation.”

His latest adventure took him to Estonia in search of world championship qualification after missing Ironman Gqeberha for a family wedding.

Race day brought stormy conditions, with mist delaying the start before wind and rain battered athletes during the later stages.

“I felt like I was swimming in a washing machine but was happy with my time. I also felt good on the bike section but could feel the rain starting as I got ready to run,” he said.

Shackleton dug deep and completed the marathon distance in under three hours.

“Ironman is all about getting as close to the sun as possible without burning your wings. Having done three full races previously, I had the experience of knowing what my body could do.”

“It was an absolute relief when I got to the line, just knowing that I had given everything I had.”

Shackleton credits his wife, Cara, and their three young children, David (6), Stephen (5) and Grace (3), with supporting him through his most difficult periods.

He now hopes his experience can help others and coaches athletes through Rise Again Racing, focusing on both the physical and mental sides of the sport.

Find out more at @rise_again_racing on Instagram.