In 2018, he won European Championship silver after running in a time of just over eight hours.
Three years later, Patrik Nilsson can now claim the title of European Champion in the Ironman distance.
On Sunday, he was first over the finish line when the championship was decided in Frankfurt, Germany.
Victory time?
7.59.21.
- Usually you have problems with the heat.
It was hot today too, but it was under control.
However, the bones were completely destroyed.
I have never felt anything like this, says Patrik Nilsson.
Ready for the World Cup
It was the 29-year-old's first European Championship gold, and he knew he would have a good chance at the noblest denomination.
- I was sure of my form.
The training has gone very well and I was confident in what I could do today, he says.
Second was Danish clubmate Kristian Høgenhaug (57 seconds behind) and third David McNamee (3.01 behind Nilsson), from Great Britain.
Thus, the Swede is qualified for the World Cup final, which will be decided later this autumn.
In 2017, Patrik Nilsson made his WC debut, then he finished in eighth place.