Felixstowe man Chris Stennett to complete Ironman triathlon in Austria

A man living with a rare and incurable muscle-wasting condition is gearing up to conquer the ultimate fitness challenge later this month.

Chris Stennett, from Felixstowe, hopes to endure a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and 26.2 mile run within 17 hours as he takes on the Ironman triathlon in Austria on June 18.

It will be no easy feat, as the 30-year-old lives with Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), a genetic condition that results in the weakening of muscles in the face, shoulder blades and upper arms – but Chris said he didn’t want to let the disorder ‘hold him back’.

There is currently no cure, and he will be undertaking the mammoth challenge in honour of World FSHD Day, which is celebrated on June 20.

Chris, once a keen rugby player in his hometown, suffered a shock diagnosis in 2019, at age 26, after going to the hospital with a dislocated shoulder.

He had endured repeated injuries over 10 years of shoulder weakness, and tests confirmed he was living with the condition.

Chris said: “The risk of injury was too high for me to continue playing rugby or practising mixed martial arts – two hobbies that gave me the most enjoyment.

“I’ve always been athletic, and at the age of 26 I was supposed to be entering my prime, but instead I was having to retire early. It knocked me for six and made me feel down.

“Within two months of getting the diagnosis, I decided I wasn’t going to let it hold me back, and I decided to complete the Ironman triathlon challenge.

“It was something I’d always wanted to do once I’d stopped playing rugby. I knew the training would be good for me and would give me something to focus on.

“I thought to myself, I’m never going to get a better chance – who knows what will happen in 10 years’ time, I could be in a wheelchair by then.”

Chris set up a JustGiving page to raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy UK, a charity which supports people with conditions such as his, which has already smashed its £2,500 target.

FSHD only affects around 2,500 people in Britain.

While this is Chris’s biggest challenge yet, he is no stranger to feats of fitness.

He previously took part in the Marbella 70.3 half Ironman in May and the London Marathon in April – so this will be his third major challenge in three months.

Chris said: “Living with a condition can be challenging. FSHD continues to sap my strength, but I remain strong minded.

“Completing the open water swim with front crawl is a small concern because the muscles in my core are weak and I struggle with snaking in the water when I’m tired.

“I am a proficient breaststroke swimmer, so I have no doubt I will complete the swim, but by doing breaststroke I fatigue my legs before the cycle element even starts.”

Kiera Santry, from Muscular Dystrophy UK said: “Chris has an inspiring story – and he has not let his diagnosis stop him from taking on multiple challenge events.

“We’re so grateful to Chris for his ongoing support. The funds raised will continue to help Muscular Dystrophy UK support people living with muscle wasting conditions and fund further research and treatment.”