Wightman has recently brought home medals from duathlons in Switzerland and Spain
By Mary Gardner-Ruch
On June 20th Ron Wightman will talk about his experience as an International Silver Medalist for the USA in the Duathlon Competition. A free lunch will be served at 12:30 followed by Ron’s presentation at Grace United Church at 289 North Main Street in Wellsville. Anyone interested in hearing his story is welcome to attend.
On April 29th of this year, Ron traveled to Spain where he competed against other countries in the Duathlon competition composed of running and biking. Ron placed 4th in the Sprint and 2nd in the Standard bringing home a silver medal. He competed in the age 75 to 79 category.
Last year, Ron competed in Switzerland and brought home a silver for the USA team. Before going to Spain, Ron competed in Dallas in the National Championship and won. He has competed in 44 marathons throughout the United States.
Ron has a long history of racing which started in his early 30s. He typically bikes 20 50 30 miles several times a week and 100 miles a couple of times a year. His racing bike was damaged when his car hit a deer after he returned home from Spain. It was in the back of the car in a case and the frame was bent. Ron will not let something like this stop him. He is resilient and weathers the bumps in the road.
Ron grew up in a family with a sister and two older brothers. He and his brothers are all about a year apart. Being the youngest, he competed to keep up which led to his competitive spirit. Ron and his wife, Tina, raised three children together and reside in the town of Willing. Ron has served on the Willing Town Board for the past 20 years and is currently the Supervisor.
Mark your calendars for the 20th of June. It is not every day that someone from Allegany County represents our country and brings home a silver medal two years in a row.
Read our previous reporting on Wightman’s 2022 race in Switzerland:
