Ironman is dis-tressed

Flamboyant Ironman competitor Gi Singh ended a lifelong relationship with his hair on Monday in honour of a fellow competitor who has cancer.

Mr Singh, an Indian competitor who races the triathlons wearing a pink pair of “budgie smugglers”, had his long hair and beard shaved for the first time on Monday, raising nearly $10,000 in sponsorship for the Childhood Cancer Association.

Picture gallery: Ironman Gi Singh shaves off his locks for his mate

The shave was in honour of Mr Singh’s friend and fellow Ironman competitor Dani Taylor who is battling cancer.

He said he was “freaking out” about losing the hair he has had for 28 years but it was for a good cause.

“It’s only because of my dear friend Dani that I have the strength to let it go,” he said.

Busselton hairdresser Meg Hutchinson spent about half an hour shaving Mr Singh’s hair in front of spectators at the Busselton foreshore.