2003 Race |
Ultraman World Championships - EpilogueDay four of the Ultraman three-day competition is a day of celebration - a day to share stories, bask in the glow of all that has been accomplished, and begin carbo-loading for next year. The athletes and their friends all gathered for a gala dinner at the Royal Kona Resort on Monday night, dressed in their best lycra formal wear. Awards were given: first and second to Alexandre Ribeiro and Tony O'Keeffe. Woman's championship to Shnna Armstrong, who set a new woman's swim course record, and an overall time that was second best only to Tina Bischoff's 25:45 in 1989. The twelve finishing athletes received a engraved plaque of the Big Island, fashioned from Koa wood by former race winner Gary Shields. Rob Kasper was honored with the Last-One-In-Before-The-Cutoff Award, snatching this much sought-after laudation from the grasp of Cory Foulk. Gordo Byrn and Cowman A-Moo-Ha were given plaques for their own major accomplishments: crossing Friday's start line, and giving the competition their best effort. And then the stories began. Suzy Degazon told us she was planning to do the event for the next 10 years. Gary Wang said that doing Ultraman saved him thousands of dollars in psychiatrists bills. ÊLauren Fithian said that voluntarily assuming the pain of Ultraman reminded her of people in less fortunate circumstances forced to endure pain not of their own choice. Tony O'Keeffe painted an image of athletes waiting at the start line like someone having a needle pushed up their arse with a sledge-hammer - making us all wonder how he spent his time training for the race. Tom Rodgers reminded us of what makes Ultraman so special: an opportunity for friends and family to share and support the athletes through three days of noble effort. The most celebrated person of the day, of course, was Race Director Jane Bockus - bonne vivant, ultraplanner, organizer extraordinaire, volunteer coordinator, Ultramom. She'd pulled it off once again, gallant host of another World Championship. The next event on the schedule is a new Ultraman franchise in Penticton Canada, July 31 to August 2, 2004 (www.peachcityrunners.com). And then the 20th running of Ultraman Hawaii next Thanksgiving weekend, with special events and celebrations in the offing. See you there.
Updates daily by Michael Schiff |
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