A managing director from Cookstown will compete at the HYROX World Championships in Stockholm later this year.

Ryan O'Neill, who leads engineering and fabrication firm Artafex, qualified for the event by placing among the top finishers in his division at a regional HYROX race. The world championships run from 18 to 21 June at the Strawberry Arena.

HYROX combines eight one-kilometre runs with functional workout stations. Competitors must complete rowing, sled pushes, sled pulls, burpee broad jumps, and wall balls between each run.

Artafex, based in Cookstown, provides specialist engineering, fabrication, and installation services to industrial customers. The company said the same discipline and commitment required in business are needed to prepare for competition at this level.

O'Neill’s qualification means he will represent Northern Ireland and the local business community on the international stage.