ironman

Meaning

Noun

• An extremely tough and strong athlete, especially one who competes in extreme athletic competitions or in a large number of games consecutively.
• A form of surf lifesaving competition which combines swimming, board paddling, ski paddling and running.
• An extreme form of triathlon, expecially one organised by the World Triathlon Corporation that comprises a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike race and a marathon run.
• The winner of such a lifesaving event or triathlon.

Origin

• From iron + man. First applied to Joe McGinnity, a baseball player who pitched 48 complete games in one season and worked in an iron foundry during the offseason.