One of the heroes of Sunday’s gruelling Ironman Wales challenge has undoubtedly got to be Molly Lewis.

The former Greenhill School head girl had just four miles to go before being crowned an Ironman for the first time when she dramatically collapsed and was advised on medical grounds not to continue to the red carpet.

Molly, 19, touched the hearts of the crowd as she smiled the whole way round the brutal course in her bright pink bike and running kit and quite rightly earned herself a legend accolade for her achievements on social media.

A beach lifeguard with the RNLI over the summer, Molly, who will be starting her English degree at Exeter University this month, had spent eight months training for the most demanding one-day challenge in the world. She had swam over 64 miles, cycled over 1,928 miles and ran over 254 miles.

“I can’t even begin to thank everyone for all of their incredible support out there,” said Molly.

“I’m beyond overwhelmed. It meant the world to me and it really did make my day. I am the luckiest girl in the world to have the best friends and family; There are too many beautiful faces I want to thank, but you know who you are.

“Unfortunately, I woke up in an ambulance after mile 22 of the marathon leg (the first time I may not have been so smiley all day!) so much to my frustration and despite the fact I was heartbreakingly close, it was beyond my control to continue and get to the finish line, but I’m somewhat satisfied within myself that I quite literally gave it my all.

“All is well, thank goodness. I am an even stronger person and nothing will stop me. All I wanted was to do you all proud and I am so sorry to those of you who were patiently waiting at that finish line for me. I am in awe of you all, thank you.”

And will Molly be back for another attempt in 2018?

“I really like the idea of pushing yourself to the limit,” says Molly. “Training is addictive so yes I’m definitely considering it again.”