Greg Welch Chats With Ironmanlive.com

Greg Welch Chats With Ironmanlive.com

This is the final part of Ironmanlive.com's interview with Greg Welch about his outstanding history in Ironman racing.

IML:  Has the town of Kona changed much since your first trip there in '87?

 

GW:  Kona Changes! HMMMMMMMMMM, does traffic work? Yep, it has changed. Alii Drive has not changed a single bit. I love it, all the same shops and now some different, too, still line the Banyan tree street, and that's what's really special about Kona. The population has grown somewhat and now the little town thrives on tourism, fishing and Wal-Mart! Did I say that? Anyway, Target, Costco and even Starbucks are on the scene so the mall hopping indulging shoppers can now get their fix. I must say though, the locals are still the same, I have some truly great friends there and they live in paradise.

 

IML:  How has the event changed in that same time frame?

 

GW:  The race has seen different race Directors, course changes and a surge in numbers since my first year 1987. The biggest changes are the prize money, which now boasts a $100,000 check to the men's and women's winners, and course changes. The course changes have moved with roadworks and Hotel closures but I feel that the race now has a very nice layout that is challenging but still beautiful.

 

IML:  Can you describe the appeal of this event - why you think so many people want or need to make it to an Ironman finish line?

 

GW:  The answer to this question is a no brainer. The Hawaii Ironman. I know it makes for a good story up the pub. Whenever I meet someone for the first time, following an introduction as a triathlete, then this follows, (have you done that Hawaiian race they show on TV?) Yep! Ten Times. The impact of this race on a personal level is huge, I guess it's because firstly, you need to be one of those qualifiers and secondly the long-standing tradition of this race is second to none.

 

IML:  How much more popular has Ironman become in that time around the world?

 

GW:  Ironman now boasts over 24 qualifying races varying from Half to Full Ironman distance. The popularity of Triathlon forced this. This is a good thing. Triathlon is now not only an Olympic sport but has made its way into the Goodwill Games and Commonwealth Games as major sports. The lure to Ironman I believe is a life goal, for that someone special who is looking for the ultimate challenge.

 

IML:  Can you describe why so many come back year after year to do it again? Why is Ironman addictive?

 

GW:  Addiction? What Addiction? If you look at the statistics, most of the competitors are multiple time finishers. Why?  Well it's the best race going, simple! It's the most competitive field for both age group and pro, and the lure is competing on the World's best Triathlon stage.

 

IML:  If you were asked to address the entire contingent of age-group triathletes headed for Kona in October, what piece of advice would you offer?

 

GW:  I answered this question earlier but it is all about getting to the finish line. You can set goals such as desired Heart rates and average speeds but what if the wind comes up? What if you start to fall off the goals set? That's the very reason why I tell people to go there trained for the distance and on race day, make some friends, have a long training day and lastly, enjoy it. Don't let it be a burden or pressure, it will ruin your vacation!

 

IML:  There has been talk about some of the other Ironman courses being tougher than the Hawaii course. How do you rate the Iroman courses based on your personal experience and conversations with all the athletes you know in terms of difficulty?

 

GW:  There are certainly harder courses than Kona, that's for sure. There are races like the Old Ironman France in Gerardmer that had some serious hills on the bike, then there is Lanzarote, which resembles Kona in a sense, being a volcanic island. I rate the races as an overall experience, the hype and if the family is coming, what to do there! For example, this year I traveled with half a voice to Germany for the Ironman in Frankfurt, on the WOW meter, it was right up there with Kona. The crowds are incredible and supportive and the festivities were fantastic. Then you have races in Asia with their own style with experiences with culture and cuisine, and you have Australia and New Zealand, the perfect way to secure an early spot to Kona, and these races provide great local support.

 

IML:  If your health had not become a limiting factor, how long would you have expected to continue competing in Ironman events?

 

GW:  My health and racing. I had anticipated racing at Sydney for the Olympics then Kona for the next 2 years. My health stopped that but now my future is all Ironman and triathlon. The best sport in the world with the best and friendliest people.

 

 

IML:  Who are your favorites to win in Kona this year?

 

GW: My fav's for this year. For the women it has to be the big three from last year. Last year's race was so good with a three way battle but now they have company. I rate Nina Kraft as the person to beat, but Lori Bowden is always a favourite, Natascha Badmann, Lisa Bentley, Heather Fuhr and new Sensation Kate Major. Also look for Joanna Lawn and fellow kiwi Lynley Allison. For the men, it's a lot like last year with the inclusion of Lessing. Simon Lessing a five-time world champion in the shorter distances will rival these guys, doesn't have a weak leg and don't be surprised if you see a repeat of 1996. Luc Van Lierde won as a rookie and broke the record. The record I believe is safe but the South African born Brit will challenge the likes of Peter Reid, Tim De Boom, Cam Brown, Rutger Beke, Faris Al Sultan, Thomas Hellreigel and Jurgen Zack. Look for Francois Chabaux to ride like a mad man with Normann Stadler, but a guy who could do well too is Viktor Zyemtsev of the Ukraine. Just a couple - too many to list.

 

IML:  Finally, how are your girls doing? Little triathletes in the making?

 

GW:  I have three girls here, Sian 38, triathlete-mother-worker, Annie May 2.5 going on 25 and Emma 15 months and running a 10.2 for 20 meters!  Mate, my hands are full, the girls are great and they don't even have any sporting equipment, YET.

 

You may contact Greg Welch at greg@ironmanlive.com