Biggest Loser Contestant Finishes Kona Ironman

Every October, Kona, Hawaii is host to more than 1,700 of the world's top triathletes as they gut it out at the infamous Ford Ironman World Championship. Last weekend was no different.

What makes this such a prestigious, highly-regarded event? First, like any Ironman race, it includes a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run (a full marathon). Add to that the extreme heat, winds and hills racers encounter on Kona's course, and the fact that not anyone can just sign up -- most competitors must earn their spots by qualifying within a certain time in another race.

Events like this always bring a multitude of inspirational stories. It's hard to watch a video clip or read some of the athletes' stories and not be inspired. One athlete, in particular, may sound familiar -- Matt Hoover. He not only competed on "The Biggest Loser" show back in 2005, he won that season with a whopping 157-pound weight loss. After months of training, he just finished the Hawaii Ironman, although he missed the cut-off time by three minutes to be considered an official Ironman.

Hoover reportedly received a special invitation from the Ironman staff (as a few celebrities or uniquely-challenged athletes sometimes do) and was training 25 hours a week. "Every day I wake up, I'm not just thinking like someone who has lost weight or is trying to lose weight," Hoover told People Magazine. "I am thinking, 'I want to be an Ironman.' That's a title so few people have."

Other inspirational competitors included Rudy Garcia-Tolson, an incredible double-amputee who missed the bike cut-off time and could not complete the run, and Elizabeth Thompson, a stroke survivor who had to re-learn how to walk, let alone train, just a year and a half ago. There were also four men in the 75 to 79 age group and a 74-year-old woman who finished the race under the allotted 17-hour deadline.

Over the years, the finish line has always been a place of uncertainly. Some athletes sprint in with triumphant arms overhead; others struggle to crawl on their hands and knees. What is for certain, though, is the overwhelming sense of respect and awe watching them. "As soon as someone says, 'This guy can't do it,' I'm doing it," adds Hoover.

Feeling inspired? Check out some basic triathlon training tips and become your own Ironman!