Ironman: 'Big Boy' shows power of determination

Liam Friary has turned his life around. Photo / Supplied

If you think the idea of competing at Kona is reserved for only the elite and nothing more than a fantasy for mere mortals, then Liam Friary will make you think again.

Only five years ago Friary, who was known as "Big Boy" to his friends and family for his appetite for fun and food, tipped the scales at 134kg when living in France.

In 2005 he moved to Britain and reduced his weight to 115kg through work at the gym, snowboarding and surfing and since he returned home in 2008 his dramatic weight loss has continued.

Friary has shed 56kg from his days playing prop for a rugby team out of Paris to 78kg through dedication to a fitness-crazed lifestyle.

"It has shown me that anything is possible," said the 26-year-old Friary, who is entered in the half ironman at Taupo in December.

"I have turned my life around and things that I never thought would be achievable are now within reach."

Friary aims to follow Terenzo Bozzone and Cameron Brown to Kona in 2011 when he makes his debut in the New Zealand Ironman at Taupo in March alongside his father John, who hopes to complete his 10th ironman.

"We joked that this could be his first and my last," said 59-year-old John who won the 2004 New Zealand Ironman for his age group (50-59).

"He is my son and I am more than proud of him.

"He has a life story that is worth telling and the people out there struggling to get off the couch can follow his example."

To qualify for his age group (25-29) at Kona he needs to complete the event in Taupo in under 9:40:00.

It is a long way from the Big Boy, who couldn't run but longed to follow in the footsteps of his sport-mad parents.

In 2008 his mother Nicky challenged him to a race in the King of the Bays which he won and that triggered him to enter the Swim and Run and Stroke and Stride events.

Friary rediscovered his passion for swimming and at his weight he was buoyant which enabled him to generate a lot of power.

"My size was still slowing me down on the run, but the more I did the better I felt and performed - I was hooked," explained the North Harbour Triathlon Club member.

"Losing weight became a bonus - a by-product of my passion.

"I wanted to be able to compete and I set out to do whatever it took to get active and be proud of myself again. It has been a great and rewarding journey."

Friary has ticked off a number of achievements.

He completed all nine events of the North Harbour Triathlon Club and the Stroke and Stride Series in 2009/10, he placed 15th for his age group in the Sand to Surf Sovereign Ocean Swim, 15th in his age group for the King of the Bays ocean swim 2010 and ran 1:42:31 in the North Shore City Half Marathon and completed the Coromandel Classic in 13:50:10.

In April he turned his focus to doing a full Ironman in 2011 with the goal of qualifying for Kona.

"I was ready for a bigger challenge," explained Friary, who has begun working with coach Clive Asplen. "That would have seemed impossible just 18 months ago but I am building towards it and I am really excited about the opportunity."

He is proud to be an inspiration to "bigger people" who struggle with weight loss.

When he is at the gym and he sees overweight people working out he tells them his story and that they can do the same.

"Life can change for you if you want it badly enough," said Friary.

"It all comes down to your attitude and I know what it's like to live as a fat person and I don't want to be like that."

He trains five times a week at Les Mills, around 17 hours. His eating habits have changed, too.

"There is no point working out hard five times a week and then having McDonald's for dinner."

His father has no doubts he will complete the New Zealand Ironman and backs him for higher honours.

"Inside every fat guy there is a skinny guy bursting to get out," said John.

"He has loads of ability and he doesn't pussy-foot around when he commits to something - he gets it done and this will be no different."

If he can reach his goal of qualifying for Kona the man formerly known as Big Boy will show all struggling athletes that anything is possible.