Waiting for the Big Show in Kona

This Saturday, 10 October, in Kailua, Kona, Hawaii the Ironman Triathlon World Championships will be held. Almost 2,000 of the world’s best, long-distance triathletes will test their will and willpower in this historical race.

Born in 1978, through a conversation among aging endurance athletes the Ironman race was conceptualized. It started as a casual question: Who is fitter – swimmer, runner or cyclist? A trial race (comprising all three disciplines) was organized with less than 15 hopeful entrants, and 31 years later, the Ironman is a worldwide sporting phenomenon that continues to grow with uncanny conviction. What would possess tens of thousands of triathletes to attempt this insane endurance challenge? Some things in life are best left mysterious.

Last year, my 20-something, Melbourne-based friend Wilson Low raced in the 30^th Anniversary edition of Ironman World Championships. He described the experience as amazing, and he was happy as a mud lark for completing it, and in very good time. He also prepared himself mercilessly months before the race. Since it was the world championships, he decided that being thoroughly fit and mentally prepared for the challenging conditions (strong side winds and shearing heat) would ensure his personal success.

Wilson also followed that up closely with the Ironman 70.3 World Championships a month later in Clearwater, Florida. Five Singaporeans – Wilson, Grace Chan, Brian Tan and I – raced in the third edition of this race format. I will make my way again – with a larger coterie - to Clearwater on 14 November, to take a shot at a personal best performance. Of the Singaporeans, most notable are 60-year-old Joseph Ong and Kona-finisher Jeanette Wang.

Ironman China podium-winner for her age group, Shawn Ann Leong (of Crazy2Tri) will be competing for the first time in Kona. We wish her all the best in her attempt!

So, tune in to the event ‘live’ on IRONMANLIVE.COM to watch this amazing race. The commentators comprise ex-Ironman champions who provide enthusiastic and passionate narratives. There will be many human stories that may bring a tear to your eyes, or raise your hope for those struggling to complete it on time. Witness the best-of-the-best in action!

Leadership Lessons: Great ideas are born from seeds of curiosity or dissent. It takes initiative to test one’s theories. When was the last time you tested one of your theories? What would it take for you to find out the reality? When was the last time you tested yourself against the best in your field?

Photo-credit: Melina Chan