My 'race-day nerves' was a heart attack

A FITNESS fanatic suffered a heart attack moments after completing his first Hyrox event - having mistaken his symptoms for 'race-day nerves.

- ELEANOR OVENS and HOWARD LLOYD

Avid gym-goer Ashley Whelan had been training for months to compete in the fitness phenomenon in November, which is a global race that combines running and functional workouts.

The 37-year-old had been interested in fitness since his late teens, competing in Muay Thai boxing events in recent years, and was excited to challenge himself further with the gruelling competition. However, on race day, the site manager said he 'didn't feel right' but put the it down to 'race-day nerves' as it was his first Hyrox.

Ashley, from Manchester, grew more concerned when his heart rate sky-rocketed to 220bpm while completing his last lap.