RUTHVEN, Iowa (KCAU) — Pavel Buravtsov is the middle school and high school science teacher at the Ruthven school, which is part of the Graettinger-Terril/Ruthven-Ayrshire (G-T/R-A) school district. On September 7, he competed in his first Ironman triathlon in Madison, Wisconsin.

"Whenever I will have time and money, I should do that, and finally, in 2025, this wish came true," Buravtsov said.

The dream to compete started 12 years ago after a chance encounter with a man at the gym.

"He told me everything about the race. He told me that is when you swim, bike, and run. And I'm like, 'He's tough. I want to be that guy one day,'" said Buravtsov.

Story continues below • Top Story: Humboldt farmer drops out of race; endorses another candidate • Lights & Sirens: Sioux City man charged af

See Full Page