Published June 8, 2011 08:10AM
With two Ironman world championships in four years, Chris McCormack is considered one of the best athletes on the planet.
Chris McCormack arrived on the shores of Hawaii in 2002 to compete in his first Ironman World Championship after a dominating run in short-course triathlon racing. He shocked his rivals by boldly declaring for all to hear: “I’m here to win.” In the tightly knit triathlon community this kind of bravado was met with contempt. Who did this brash Australian think he was?
“Macca” raced out of the gate and was among the leaders after the 2.4 mile swim and 112 mile bike, but melted during the 26.2 mile running leg and failed to finish. It would take him five more tries before he won the preeminent Ironman event. He followed it up with a second Championship in 2010 at age 37.
After a second World Championship in four years, it is fair to ask: is McCormack the world’s greatest athlete? He has a strong case. He has won more Iron-distance competitions than any other athlete in history. He is the only man to finish four Ironman events in less than eight hours. Before his Ironman career he was undefeated in the U.S. for three straight years in short-course triathlons. His sport requires incredible stamina, speed, mental toughness and the ability to master the water, bike and road.
Read more: Forbes