Elliot-Olivier Pellerin (see “An Ironman family legacy” Tremblant Express, August 2023) had told us in advance: he was participating in this Ironman – the last full Ironman to take place in Mont-Tremblant – to win. On August 20, the 36-year-old athlete kept his word. He racked up the best time in all categories combined, completing this Ironman in only 9:6:44, which is five minutes and 38 seconds less that Rachel Zilinska, the first woman professional to cross the finish line.

“Winning the last running of the Ironman Mont-Tremblant as a citizen is a dream come true. I know every centimetre of the course and, over the years of training in this region, I have forged strong bonds with the local people, which translated into exceptional support during the event. The encouragement gave me wings. I heard “Go, go, go, Elliott,” non-stop. I get goosebumps when I think about it,” he told us.

Behind each athlete, a community

According to Elliot, who started triathlon training at 26, participating in an event of this size remains a privilege, and it’s important to approach the day with gratitude.

“It was a very emotional journey for me,” Elliot explains. “August 20 is the birthday of my grandmother Doris Pepin, who died in 2014. I thought of her a lot yesterday, as well as of the people and communities who contributed, from near or far, to my achieving a long-held dream,” he concludes.

Our warmest congratulations, Elliot!

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