
Pune: The Dumbre Patil family from Pune has achieved a historic milestone by completing the ‘70.3 Ironman Triathlon’ in Italy, earning a place in the India Book of Records. Dr. Sampat Shivajirao Dumbre Patil practicing Orthopaedic Sugeon in Hadapsar, Pune, his wife Dr. Vaishali, a Radiologist, along with their daughter Prachi and son Prasad, completed the grueling challenge together, marking the first time an entire family has done so in a single event. The certificate of recognition was recently awarded to the family by Dr. Chitra Jain, an Adjudicator from the India Book of Records.
The Ironman Triathlon was held in Romalia, Italy, on September 22, 2024. The Dumbre Patil family took on a demanding course that included, 1.9 km swimming in the Adriatic Sea, 90 km cycling, and 21 km running. Competitors had to complete the race within eight hours. Despite battling strong sea currents, powerful winds, and steep terrains, the Pune-based family persevered and completed the challenge.
Over 3,500 participants from various countries took part in the event, but the Dumbre Patil family stood out with their unwavering determination and exceptional teamwork. The family had been training rigorously for 8–10 months to prepare for the competition. Despite their demanding schedules, Prachi, a final-year student and Prasad, a first-year medical student at BJ Medical College,Pune managed to balance their studies with intense training.
Speaking about their experience, Dr. Sampat said, “This competition was an unforgettable experience for us. Completing such a prestigious event as a family is a rare achievement, not just in India but globally. Our goal was to encourage fitness alongside education, and this journey has strengthened our family bond immensely.”
His daughter Prachi added, “The preparation for this event brought us together as a team. The fitness gained from this journey has helped us in all aspects of life. Competing alongside my parents on an international stage was truly special.”
Dr. Chitra Jain praised the family’s historic feat and extended her congratulations. The Dumbre Patil family also honored their trainers, who played a crucial role in their success. Chaitanya Velhal (Triathlon Coach), Piyush Kumar (Strength Trainer), Shubhamkar Zare (Swimming Coach), and Aradhya and Avinash (Yoga Trainers) were honored at the moment.
Overcoming Challenges to Achieve Success
Dr. Vaishali said, “The journey to the Ironman triathlon was not without obstacles. Prachi suffered a knee injury that required her to use a walker for three months, making training difficult. However, she worked hard in the last 15 days before the competition to regain strength. Meanwhile, Prasad was preparing for his 12th board and NEET exam but managed to balance both training and academics. His efforts paid off as he completed the Ironman challenge and secured admission to BJ Medical College, Pune.”
Reflecting on the achievement, Dr. Vaishali added, “With the right guidance and motivation, children can achieve great success. Regular exercise helped them improve focus in their studies while also enhancing their physical and mental fitness. This journey as a family has been enriching, and being recognized by the India Book of Records makes us immensely proud.”