Search
shop

Tri Hard; Former Armed Robber To Challenge His Way To Redemption In Holland

From Armed Robber to Ironman - John McAvoy will be continuing his path to redemption at Challenge Almere-Amsterdam in Holland
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Record breaker John McAvoy to race CHALLENGEALMERE-AMSTERDAM in September

When John McAvoy first had dreams of becoming a professional athlete, several metres of concrete, barbed wire and iron bars held him back. The former professional bank robber was currently mid-way through a hefty prison sentence, serving time for conspiracy to commit robbery and firearms offences.

Whilst behind bars in 2009, after watching a news report covering the death of one his close friends during a police chase, John realised that his life of crime was over. Redemption takes many forms, and McAvoy found solace and peace in the prison gym.

RELATED ARTCLE – REVIEW: REDEMPTION

Following several years of training and fitness regimes at her majesty’s pleasure, and breaking indoor records left, right and centre – John was released and immediately turned his attention to bettering himself, and his personal bests, by entering the world of multisport.

John’s journey through triathlon has taken many turns, from success at indoor rowing championships in 2012, to a podium at London Ultra Duathlon in 2015. In 2016 he turned his attention to long-distance races, and competed at the European Championships in Frankfurt.

Now, John will compete with the biggest and best age groupers from all over Europe, as it is announced that he will race CHALLENGEALMERE-AMSTERDAM, taking place in Flevoland, Holland this September….

For more information on the race, please visit: www.challenge-almere.com

For more details on John and his background, visit www.therealmcavoy.com

John McAvoy

Written by
Press Release
Discover more
Challenge Sardinia location
Let’s race… Challenge Forte Village Sardinia
Are calf sleeves actually worth it for triathletes? How many watts aero calf compression sleeves could save you
Laura Siddall Patagonman Xtreme Triathlon 2023
Are we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport
Is sports nutrition bad for you? Ultra-processed foods are under siege, and athletes are caught in the cross fire – but should we be worried?
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
The ultimate city break triathlon race-cations: from Challenge Barcelona to Singapore T100 these are the best city centre races to combine multisport with sightseeing
latest News
Kat Matthews wins IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See 2025
Five new locations announced as 2026 IRONMAN Pro Series calendar unveiled
Gwen Jorgensen World Triathlon Cup Miyazaki 2024 Results
‘Another three good years’ – Olympic champ Gwen Jorgensen WILL race on after surgery
Marten Van Riel IMWC Nice 2025 finish line
IRONMAN World Championship Nice 2025: Van Riel on ‘out of this world’ Norwegians
IRONMAN World Championship Nice 2025: Emotional Stornes hails impact of ‘best mates’
Stornes Iden Blummenfelt IMWC Nice podium 2025
IRONMAN World Championship Nice 2025: Full finishing order and DNF details including Magnus Ditlev
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...