Rudy Garcia-Tolson of Bloomington, who recently became the first double above-knee amputee to finish an Ironman Triathlon, will be one of the athletes featured on an NBC television show on Saturday, Dec. 19.

The show will focus on the 2009 Ford Ironman World Championship and will run from 1:30 to 3 p.m. PST. The telecast will highlight the physical and emotional journey taken by athletes during the renowned 140.6-mile triathlon.

In its 31st year, the Ford Ironman World Championship start cannon sounded on Oct. 10. Nearly 1,700 of the world’s fittest athletes braved the harsh elements of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, in an attempt to earn the title of “Ironman.” Temperatures on event day reached 90 degrees Fahrenheit and higher at certain times on the bike and run portions.

Athletes ranging in age from 20 to 80 years competed in the 2.4-mile Pacific Ocean swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile marathon in a classic battle of human motivation versus sweltering heat and mental and physical fatigue.

Garcia-Tolson was involved in this Ironman competition but could not finish it. However, he later established his name in the record books by completing the Ford Ironman Arizona on Nov. 22

Published: Thursday, December 17, 2009 5:57 PM CST