Sports and travel lecturer at Pembrokeshire College, Clair Davies, proved her steely determination to succeed last weekend when she secured second place in her women's Ironman category with just seven weeks' notice.

After someone pulled out of one of the council awarded lottery places, Clair found herself with just seven weeks to prepare for this gruelling event designed to test athletes to the limit in one of sport's ultimate endurance challenges. The second time Clair has competed in the Tenby Ironman competition, her time proves what an exceptional athlete she is.

Clair was one of more than 1,600 athletes, from 40 different countries, to take part in the event held in Tenby on a course that has been described as one of the toughest and most beautiful in the world.

Clair's day started at 7 am with a 2.4 mile swim, followed by a 112 mile cycle ride and culminated in a 26.2 mile marathon. With a previous time of 12 hours and four minutes, Clair was not disappointed to complete the course in a time of 13hrs 13mins, given the short notice.

Ironman Wales is just one of two qualifying events held in the UK for the Ironman World Championships to be held in Kona, Hawaii, in October 2014. Clair's position means she automatically qualifies and will soon start training for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which will see her compete in the home of the Ironman.

With over 10,000 spectators lining the streets to support the competitors, Clair commented: "The crowds in Tenby are so amazing and give you a real buzz. I get a real kick out of competing and pushing myself to the limit.

"The event is a great opportunity for people of all levels of fitness to take part and also showcases the achievement of women in sport, with three of Pembrokeshire's women finishing in the top 10 last year - all of whom were mums with young children. I firmly believe that if you pace yourself right, anyone could complete the event."

Also competing was college student John Morris who became Europe's youngest-ever Ironman competitor at just three days past his 18th birthday.

Clair is now looking for sponsorship for the Ironman World Championships. To find out more, contact the college on 01437 753163.