IM World Championships

How about this year's race in Kona?

I can't believe that Chrissie Wellington whitdrew from the event. That sure opened the door for the women's field and the crowning of a new champion.

I can't wait to see the broadcast later on this winter.

The men's race was also very interesting. Fun battle on the run amongst all of the favorites.

The ability of these competitors to push themselves to such limits is simply beyond what I can understand. I admire anyone who can do an IM race. I drool and wonder if I can do one someday but I very quickly return to reality and think of the pain that I have felt attempting Half-Iron Distance races before. How in the world would I ever be able to double that distance and effort...? For now, the answer is NO WAY JOSE!

I am wondering however, when is it that we will have an American athlete as a winner of either race?

It is nice to see the international flavor of the event but I am tired of seeing other countries dominate the event with Americans significantly out of the runnig for the top podium spot. As Tim DeBoom announced that he was not racing at the Big Island anymore I wonder where is the next American Champion of this race in either gender. It just seems that we don't have what it takes anymore to contend for the title.

As a follower of the sport I see some American Stars in the distance and some stars fading away in the lava fields but in the near future it seems that the IM World Championships will continue to belong to the international field.

If that is the way it is then so be it. I like the sport far to much that it does not matter to me in the end because the competition and ability is what I am interested in regardless of its nationality.

So as I drift away again day dream about racing in Kona some day...

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster