ironman

Meaning

1. An extremely tough and strong athlete, especially one who competes in extreme athletic competitions or in a large number of games consecutively.
2. A form of surf lifesaving competition which combines swimming, board paddling, ski paddling and running.
3. 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.
4. The winner of such a lifesaving event or triathlon.

Synonyms

iron man

Etymology

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.