Greytown firefighter Dean Southey placed eighth in this month's National Fire Fighter Combat Challenge, qualifying him for the World Fireman Games in America.
The Combat Challenge is an "ironman" event for firefighters, testing firefighting skills, strength and endurance as a team or individuals.
Mr Southey and 82 other competitors took part in the men's open grade on Wellington waterfront, and was one of only eight who completed the required course in under two minutes.
With a time of 1.54, he was 11s behind first place.
The Greytown fire brigade said it was an "extraordinary achievement", with Mr Southey being the first fireman in Wairarapa to officially break two minutes.
