Becoming a triathlete in 1983, Edward Busch, Jr., went on to earn national and world wide recognition. He qualified three times for the Ironman in Hawaii. In1988, he placed fifth in the 45–49 age group, with a 2.5-mile ocean swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon. Busch competed in 73 triathlons in the U.S.A. and around the world, placing either first or in the top 10 positions. In 1994, he was ranked no. 1 in the U.S. in the Biathlon, a run–bike combination. Busch was a member of the Frederick Steeplechasers and was considered Frederick County’s greatest Ironman.