Watch Julie Moss hit the wall just before the finish line while leading the 1982 Ironman in Hawaii. Julie competed in the event as part of her research for her exercise physiology thesis. She has claimed that she did not initially take the race seriously and did not have any special training beforehand.
“I tell people that their first Ironman should be their best one, because finishing should be their only expectation.“
Nevertheless she found herself with a comfortable lead, but approximately two miles before the finish line, she became severely dehydrated and would eventually hit the wall. She staggered and fell many times towards the end of the course, eventually having to crawl the last stretch only to be passed moments before the finish line by competitor Kathleen McCartney. Her struggle to finish the Ironman was broadcast around the world, and provided inspiration to many to compete in future Ironman events.
ABC sports has called this clip one of the most defining moments in sport.
Will power is an amazing thing