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VIDEO: Triathlete finishes moments before cutoff in dramatic ending

Age-grouper Suzanne Stokes proudly crossed the finish line of Ironman New Zealand with support from the crowds with just two seconds to spare.

Ironman New Zealand

Some of the most emotional moments at triathlons occur when the final competitor crosses the line aided by community support lined along the finishing chute.

Age-grouper Suzanne Stokes, who raced in this weekend’s Ironman New Zealand, is being praised online for her determination to finish the race as the clock ticked and neared the 17-hour cutoff at midnight.

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Stokes, who competes in the 55-59 age group, looked physically exhausted and on the verge of collapsing as she ran down the finishing chute with seconds to spare at Saturday’s race. In the video, race volunteers support Stokes as she appears to stumble towards the finish line. The 2017 women’s champion, Jocelyn McCauley, and runner-up Laura Siddall then carried her over the line.

Video

Stokes’ official finishing time as the last of the 1,009 competitors to cross the line was 16:59:58.

This story originally appeared on triathlonmagazine.ca.

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