Miller conquered one the world’s most gruelling events and was the second Australian age group athlete to finish.

Miller finished in 58^th position overall and was the first Australian in his 35-39 years age group, while also finishing top 10 in that division.

A determined Miller described it as the single hardest day of his life as he completed the Ironman World Championship in a time of nine hours, 12 minutes and 41 seconds.

Miller, completing the 3.8 kilometre swim, 180km bike and 42km run Kona event for the third time, bettered last year’s time by 14 minutes.

“Yeah I was stoked to put together a good race. Always wanting more though only being three minutes off a world championships podium after a 9.12,” Miller said.

“But hungry for next year now being so close. I still got first Aussie in the age group and second Australian overall with the best in the world and Australia all being there.”

Miller said it was an unforgettable experience.

“It was the hardest race I’ve ever done with crazy winds on the bike and so hot on the run in the larva fields but that’s what makes this race so special,” he said.

“And it’s always good to beat some pros home.”

Miller finished in the top 20 age groupers overall.