Richard BatsonA North Norfolk man's attempt to complete a gruelling 'ironman' triple sporting challenge in Malaysia ended in disappointment when he had to pull out with an ankle injury.Richard Batson

A north Norfolk man's attempt to complete a gruelling 'ironman' triple sporting challenge in Malaysia ended in disappointment when he had to pull out with an ankle injury.

Former RAF corporal Clive Snowden from Felmingham had spent a year training hard for the 2.4-mile sea swim, 112-mile bike ride and full marathon in the sweltering heat and humidity of Langkawi island.

His efforts are still due to raise �1,500 for the Help For Heroes forces charity, but the attempt was dogged with trouble from the start.

The 48-year-old's flight was delayed for two days. He caught a chesty cold on arrival, but it cleared up in time to pass a pre-race medical.

Four days before the start of the event however his ankle swelled up during a training session in the swimming pool.

'I kept telling myself it would be all right with rest on Thursday but sadly not. On Friday I had to attend a pre-race briefing and knew at that point I had to seek advice from the race medics. A couple of doctors and a physio examined my ankle. They diagnosed a torn tendon. There was no way they would let me participate,' said a 'bitterly disappointed' Mr Snowden at the weekend.

'I don't think I was ever meant to complete this Ironman, with everything that has gone against me,' he added.

Race organisers have said his entry fee can be carried over to next year and Mr Snowden says he hopes his sponsors will still want their pledges to go to charity this year.

He is vowing to try again next year, adding: 'Once my ankle is better I will be straight back into training with a couple of 100-mile bike riding events planned for the summer.'

The event on Saturday was won by Belgian winner Marino Vanhoenacker in 8 hrs 22 mins. Mr Snowden was aiming for 14� hours. Times were up to 90 minutes slower this year because of high heat and humidity, meaning on the fittest reached the finish line.