If you have raced (or wanted to race) a Ironman branded Triathlon, he’s the guy that made your dream a reality. Here are a few interesting and published facts about the man behind the Iron that you probably know nothing about:
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He’s performed more cataract and lens implant surgeries than any other eye surgeon in the world.
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He prints 40,000 books a month and sends them to 2,000 jails and prisons.
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He applied for three medical patents this year and published his 27th book.
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He’s the most popular author on death row.
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He has endowed four medical chairs.
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He has helped build 2,500 churches.
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In 2004, he bequeathed $2 million to the Duke Eye Center for a research endowment; in appreciation, Duke named a portion of the Albert Eye Research Institute the Heather and James Gills Research Floor.
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He has competed in 46 marathons, 30 triathlons, five Ironman events, six Double Irons and fourteen 100-mile races.
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In 1974, he became the first eye surgeon in the U.S. to dedicate his practice in Tarpon Springs, Florida, to cataract treatment using intraocular lenses.
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He has helped fund 350 churches.
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He bikes to work everyday since he can no longer run because of a bike accident that left one of his legs three inches shorter.
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He bought the Ironman race and brand in 1990 for pennies on the dollar.
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His name is James P. Gills and this week he sold the World Triathlon Corporation for an estimated 50 to 80 million dollars to a private equity fund.