When William Hood (2024) crossed the finish line at the Port Macquarie Ironman, he completed one of the toughest endurance challenges in sport. Finishing the 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and 42.2km marathon in an impressive 12 hours, 58 minutes and 6 seconds, Will joined a select group of amateur athletes who can say they have conquered an Ironman, and at just 20 years of age.

The Port Macquarie course is widely regarded as one of the more demanding on the Ironman circuit. From the river swim and iconic weir crossing to the rolling, technical bike course and testing marathon, breaking the 13-hour mark is a significant achievement and a testament to months of preparation, discipline and resilience.

Yet while Will's performance was remarkable, the story that resonated most deeply with us was not simply about endurance. It was about friendship.

In a gesture that speaks volumes about the bonds formed at Churchie, 14 of Will's mates, the majority fellow Old Boys, made the journey to Port Macquarie to support him. They lined the course throughout the day, cheering him on during the bike leg, urging him up the final climbs and creating a wall of encouragement every time he passed during the marathon, which can be seen here.

As the day wore on and fatigue set in, they were there. Through eight gruelling laps of the run course, they shouted, encouraged and, at times, ran alongside their friend, helping carry him towards the finish line.

Their presence was a powerful reminder that while achievements may belong to an individual, success is often underpinned by the people who stand beside us. The willingness of this group of young men to give up their weekend, travel interstate and spend an entire day supporting a mate demonstrates the very best of the Churchie spirit.

Much is often said about the lifelong connections formed during a student's time at Churchie. Stories like this bring those words to life. The camaraderie, loyalty and genuine care for one another that are nurtured during school years do not end at graduation. They endure long after students leave the school grounds.

Will's Ironman achievement deserves every congratulations, but so too does the group of Old Boys who turned up for their mate when it mattered. Their actions serve as a wonderful example of friendship in its truest form and a reminder that some of life's greatest successes are measured not only by personal accomplishments, but by the people who share the journey alongside us.

Congratulations to William Hood (2024) on an outstanding achievement, and to the mates who helped make the finish line possible. We also acknowledge Simon Lloyd (2021) and any other Old Boys who completed the Ironman, demonstrating the same determination required to tackle one of endurance sport’s greatest challenges.