KAILUA,KONA, Hawai‘i — Kyle Garlett has fallen short in his attempt to become the first heart transplant triathlete to complete the Ironman World Championship.

The 38-year-old Garlett recorded a swim time of 2 hours, 21 minutes, 55 seconds Saturday. But the cut-off time for the 2.4-mile ocean swim was 2:20. Garlett is from Marina Del Rey, Calif.

Although he was disqualified from the race, the four-time cancer survivor says participating in the 140.6-mile endurance test was a thrill, especially as it was three years to the day since he received his new heart.

Nearly 1,800 triathletes were entered in the Ironman, which includes a 2.4-mile swim, 112 mile-bike and a 26.2-mile run.