## Newport Man Completes Swansea Ironman After Shedding Nearly 30kg
Just a year ago, Owen ‘Pedz’ Peddle weighed 23 stone and found himself unable to swim a single length of a pool. Fast forward to the present, and the 24-year-old from Newport has stunned both supporters and himself by crossing the finish line at the Swansea Ironman 70.3 — one of the world’s most demanding triathlons.
Owen’s remarkable transformation has gained widespread attention, with thousands of followers tracking his progress on social media and many crediting him for inspiring their own attempts to get active. His journey reached its high point last Sunday, as crowds lined the Swansea seafront to cheer him through a punishing 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile cycle and a 13.1-mile run — all under the intense summer sun.
Known online as ‘Pedz’, Owen freely admits that less than a year ago, he struggled to maintain any consistent exercise regime. Reflecting on this, he explained: “To enter an Ironman when you’re unable to swim a length is about as daunting as it gets. But I needed a challenge that felt impossible. I just wanted to get healthier — losing weight was secondary at first.”
Owen’s efforts have been nothing short of transformative — both physically and mentally. Encouraged by friends last autumn to take a major leap, he chose an event that would push him far beyond his comfort zone. “I realised if I signed up for a half marathon or a 10k, I could just walk those and finish. I wanted something I genuinely couldn’t do at the start. When I began training, I could hardly balance on a bike or swim at all,” he said.
The journey wasn’t just about shedding the pounds. Working with a nutritionist, Owen was careful not to overhaul his entire lifestyle overnight. “I wanted to avoid changing my diet, exercise, sleep and habits all at once. Doing too much can be overwhelming, and I knew I’d just give up. So I made adjustments gradually, focusing on nutrition only after building a base with training,” he shared.
Hours of training every week demanded plenty of energy, which meant weight loss came more slowly than if he’d been dieting alone. Nonetheless, Owen has now lost around 30kg and says he feels stronger and far more resilient. “I didn’t set out to become skinny. It was never about hitting a certain number on the scales; it was about proving to myself I could do something out of reach,” he said.
The mental health benefits, Owen says, have been profound. Regular training sessions have given him the opportunity to switch off from social media and daily stress. “Being able to step back and just focus on moving has done wonders for my resilience and wellbeing,” he noted.
Owen completed the Swansea Ironman 70.3 in eight hours and 32 minutes — a feat that once seemed unattainable. He credits the unwavering support from family, friends, and his large social media following for keeping him motivated. “There were times I thought about giving up, but I kept going because so many people were cheering me on. I didn’t want to let them down, especially my followers who’ve been there for every step,” he said.
Looking back over the last nine months, Owen is amazed by how far he’s come. “A few days ago I was at the barber’s and caught myself grinning because, for the first time, I genuinely felt proud. It’s been a wild ride — dragging myself from where I was to where I am is something I can only describe as extraordinary,” he reflected.
Owen’s story stands as testament to the impact of setting ambitious goals and persevering through adversity. His journey continues to encourage others facing their own battles, proving that with determination and the right support, even the most unlikely challenges can be overcome.