The Islander obliterated the course record at Ironman Brazil in Florianopolis by finishing the 3.8-kilometre swim, 180.2K bike race and 42.2K run in seven hours, 46 minutes, 10 seconds. It was a staggering 18 minutes faster than runner-up Tim Don of Great Britain.
Only Andreas Raelert of Germany (7:41:33) and Marino Vanhoenacker of Belgium (7:45:58), both in 2011, have completed faster Ironmans all-time.
鈥淚t was a pretty memorable day Sunday,鈥� said McMahon, in maybe the understatement of the week.
鈥淚 came into the event with the goals of racing fast and trying to win, but I exceeded my expectations,鈥� added McMahon, from Brazil.
鈥淚 was just able to keep pushing all day. It was an aggressive race to go off the front, but I was able to stay focused and motivated the whole time.鈥�
The greatest Canadian male Ironman athlete is Peter Reid, also from Victoria, who won three Ironman Hawaii world championships and also placed second three times between 1998 and 2004 in Kona.
McMahon was ninth last year in Kona and now sets his sights for October again on what is considered the Super Bowl of Ironman.
鈥淚 definitely feel I have the fitness, skills and experience now to confidently go after the win [at Ironman Hawaii],鈥� said McMahon.
Brazil has been good to McMahon. The 2004 Athens and 2012 London Olympian won silver in Rio at the 2007 Pan Am Games. He said he has no qualms about Canadian athletes coming down this summer to compete in the 2016 Olympics.
鈥淚 have always enjoyed my experiences racing in Brazil,鈥� said the 35-year-old.
鈥淧eople here certainly know how to be fans of sport. I personally wouldn鈥檛 have concerns going back to Rio to compete. Like all past host nations, they will do what鈥檚 necessary to put on a good event and great show.鈥�
