Entry Title: " The Hawaiian Ironman"
Name: Donald Miralle, United States
Category: Professional, Sports


Entry Description: "THE IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS" - KAILUA-KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 10: The first Ironman Triathlon was held on February 18, 1978 in Honolulu, Hawaii, and even though the location was moved to the Big Island in 1981 the race format remains unchanged, and the Hawaiian Ironman is still regarded as the most honored and prestigious triathlon event to win worldwide. Although thousands of professional and amateur athletes from all nations compete in an Ironman event each year, only very talented athletes realistically compete for a spot in Hawaii, and just finishing an Ironman race is often the highlight of many triathletes' career. Athletes with disabilities now compete in the event in the physically challenged category, and are required to meet the same cutoff times as able bodied competitors. Considered one of the most grueling races in the world, competitors must endure “ho’ o mumuku” crosswinds over 45 mph, 95 degree temperatures in the lava fields and a scorching sun in completing a 3.86 km swim, 180.2 km bike, and a 42.2 km marathon within an 17 hour time cutoff to be called an "Ironman".

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Donald graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in Fine Arts with an emphasis in painting and sculpture. After ten years at Getty Images as a senior staff photographer, he resigned in 2007 from his position at Getty to pursue a freelance career. Donald has covered nearly every major sporting event world-wide including six Winter and Summer Olympic Games, six Super Bowls, three Pan-American Games, The World Series, The Masters, The British Open and the Indianapolis 500 to name a few. His editorial and commercial clients include NEWSWEEK, Golf Digest, Men’s Journal, Nike, Gatorade, Adidas, Taylormade, NFL Players Asscociation, and the Discovery Channel. His work has been awarded World Press Photo 2005 & 2006, Pictures of the Year International 2005-2008, NPPA Best of Photojournalism Sports Photojournalist of the Year 2006-2008, Sasakawa World Sports Photography Contest 2002, National Headliner Award 2000, Mobius Awards for his Ad Campaigns in 2008, NFL Hall of Fame 2001-2008 and many other accolades. Donald’s work has been profiled in magazines including Photo District News, British Journal of Photography, Better Photography India, The Holland Times, Top Magazine as well as on TV on the Today Show, ESPN, NBC and Vitrine Entertainment Television.