Written by: Administrator
Posted: Tuesday, 15 January 2008
Page 4 of 4
Chris “Macca” McCormack, 34 (#2), from Cronulla, Australia (right). The five-time winner of Ironman Australia, Macca has started in Kona six times — not finishing twice, walking most of the marathon once and then finishing sixth and second before finally winning in 2007. (Finish Time: 8:15:34) As a kid growing up, McCormack and his best friend, Sean Maroney, dreamed of one day winning the Ironman. Maroney died before McCormack’s first attempt in Kona back in 2002 but has been with him in spirit ever since. “Sean would have been so proud,” says McCormack. “My mom passed away in 1999. I won this race for both Sean and my mom.”
Jason Park, 36 (#1215), from San Juan Capistrano, California (left). “This is my fourth Ironman and my first in Kona.” (Finish Time: 14:14:42) At 6’6” and 220 pounds, Park is one of the bigger triathletes on the planet. “I was out there a long time,” he admits. “It was definitely an amazing experience, an absolute dream come true.”
Andrea Putz, 24 (#1828), from Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, posing with her husband Ben and her father-in-law Steve. “This was my third Ironman but my first in Kona.” (Finish Time: 12:44:28) “The day had its moments, that’s for sure. My toes were rubbing and driving me crazy, so I took my running shoes off and carried them for miles 22-25. The Ironman is always an adventure within an adventure.”
Dale, 28 (#1683), and Dave, 32 (#1499) Fediuk, from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, with dad Don and mom Penny. “This was my first one and my brother’s second,” says Dale. (Finish Time: 12:38:49) The brothers were out there to support their dad, who is dealing with Parkinson’s disease. Were you there at the finish line, Dad? “You bet I was,” says Don. “It was a great feeling to see my sons cross that line together.”
Luis Alvarez, 45 (#668), from Mexico City, Mexico. “This was 51st Ironman and my fifth one this year. I’m the only person to have done every Ironman event in the world.” (Finish Time: 13:20:55) “What makes this race so special is that you have to qualify to get here. I love it!”
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August is a month to be proud of America and the world and also to be proud of the number of Olympians who have ties to the Great Lakes State. We feature two Michigan athletes, one who is making history - Sheila Taormina - and the other who is appearing in his first Olympics - Brian Sell. 
