IRONMAN Nick’s keratoconus scuppers RAF plans, but he vows to beat the challenges

02 June 2023

“Anything is possible” is the slogan for the IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea in July, and of the many taking part, Nick Pulman embodies that 'can do' spirit as he takes part for SSAFA.

Bristol-born Nick (23) has had a setback or two in recent years, and when SSAFA reported in January on his preparation for the IRONMAN, he was hopeful of achieving his dream of joining the RAF as a Physical Training Instructor (PTI).

Nick missed passing selection for this arduous role first time round in 2019, and just missed out on making the cut the next year. Lockdowns brought on by Covid curtailed the chance for a third application until recently.

However, suspected keratoconus – thinning of the cornea and irregularities of its surface – has now been confirmed.

Keratoconus causes vision to slowly worsen over time and while it does not cause blindness, it makes people more dependent upon glasses and contact lenses. In advanced cases, vision can only be corrected with hard contact lenses or surgery.

For Nick, it seems that joining the RAF and being a PTI is now off the cards for good, and that surgery is the only option for him. While understandably a knockback, he is as upbeat and as determined as ever, finding something positive even in this.

He said: “Yes, this is sad news, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't upset about it. However, life if full of obstacles and ups and downs, and I’ll continue to push myself and overcome challenges I once didn’t think I could to find out what the mind can truly do because anything is possible.

“This IRONMAN in Swansea is a big first step in that journey, and being able to raise awareness for this eye condition and SSAFA is a pleasure and I look forward to leaving everything I have on the racecourse."