The Hip Resurfacing Surgery Birmingham UK
Contact

Patient Story · August 2026

The Road Back to Ironman

Martin had completed six Ironman triathlons when his hip failed. Eighteen months after hip resurfacing at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, he is on the start line again.

Home / Articles / The Road Back to Ironman

The athlete

Six Ironmans and a Goal Called Hawaii

Martin has been competing at something for most of his adult life: mountain bike racing, martial arts, then gym cross-training competitions that took him overseas and, at his peak, to what he describes as a top-five national ranking. When his father passed away, he looked for a different kind of challenge and a way to raise money for charity, and in 2015 he went straight into the full Ironman distance: a 3.8 km swim, 180 km on the bike, and a full 42.2 km marathon to finish.

He has since completed six Ironman races across the UK and Europe. His standing ambition is the one every long-course triathlete recognises: qualifying for the World Championships in Hawaii.

Martin standing with his time-trial bike in training for Ironman Copenhagen after hip resurfacing
Martin back in training with his time-trial bike, eighteen months after hip resurfacing.
The problem

Racing a Marathon on a Failing Hip

In early 2024, while training for that August's Ironman Copenhagen, Martin became aware of a problem in his hip and groin. Like many athletes, he raced anyway.

"I still raced, but I wouldn't recommend running a marathon needing hip surgery."

Martin, writing to Mr Hussain

After the race he went to his GP, and the referral pathway brought him to Mr Shakir Hussain and his team at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham. For an endurance athlete in his situation, the question was never simply how to get rid of the pain; it was how to keep the life the pain was taking away. That distinction is exactly what separates hip resurfacing from conventional replacement for active patients, and it is what drew him to the operation.

"I was interested in the resurfacing as I'm not ready to give it all up yet, and believed this would give me the best chance. Mr Hussain was very enthusiastic, and I was immediately put at ease with his knowledge that this was the best route for someone active."

Martin, writing to Mr Hussain

Whether resurfacing is the right route depends on bone quality, anatomy and activity goals, which is why every patient starts with the same candidacy assessment Martin had.

Recovery, honestly

From the Ward to the Bike, Step by Step

Martin had his hip resurfaced in February 2025. His account of the experience is characteristically direct: staff at the ROH were friendly and professional from day one, and Mr Hussain found time to talk to him before the operation. He is equally direct about the morning after.

"The next day, I have to admit, I was considering my life choices. But the ward were just as excellent, and soon I was recovering at home."

Martin, writing to Mr Hussain

The first days after hip surgery are hard, including for very fit patients, and pretending otherwise helps nobody. What matters is the trajectory. Martin eased into physiotherapy, then week by week added the gym, swimming and cycling, with running deliberately held back until around six months, the final step in a staged return. That sequence, building load progressively and letting the bone adapt before impact, is the pattern described in our week-by-week recovery guide and the article on returning to running after hip resurfacing.

Martin riding his time-trial bike in aero position during triathlon training after hip resurfacing
Back in the aero position: structured bike training on the road to Copenhagen.
The start line

Copenhagen, Eighteen Months On

Martin is entered for Ironman Copenhagen in August 2026, eighteen months after his operation, on the same course he last raced with a failing hip. The goal that started it all, Hawaii, is back on the table.

"I have definitely got my life back and feel as strong as ever, thanks to the knowledge and support of Mr Hussain, his team and everyone at ROH Birmingham."

Martin, writing to Mr Hussain

One patient story is not a clinical series, and no two recoveries are identical: return to impact sport is cleared individually, on imaging and progress, not on a calendar. But Martin's story shows what the operation is for. Hip resurfacing exists for people who are not ready to give it all up yet, and an Ironman start line eighteen months after surgery is a fair measure of that idea.

This story is drawn from Martin's own written account, sent to Mr Hussain in June 2026 and published here with his consent. Quotations are his own words, lightly edited for length and clarity.
Next Step

Not Ready to Give It Up Either?

Martin's road back started with a consultation and an honest assessment of his options. Yours can start the same way: an imaging review that establishes whether resurfacing is open to you, with no pressure either way.

Book a Consultation