This weekend’s Ironman, is a big one, but not bigger for anyone else than California golden boy, Chris Lieto. While his cycling stomped everyone in this year’s Boise contest, he was outpaced in the running by two seconds by Australian Alexander. It does seems after pondering the details of recent years, that American competitors have been outshined in the placing winners. No doubt Lieto has got his work cut out for himself.

No American has placed at Kona since Tim DeBoom claimed back-to-back titles in 2001 and 2002. Lieto could break the drought and help return his sport to popular favor.

If you remember, Deboom killed in both contests with perfectly balanced legs in the race. Lieto figures that all it will take is 7 minutes to edge out the competition, even though he’s typically been up against a 10-15 minute gap in the run. While Lieto shouldn’t be relied upon for his math, his enduring spirit on his quest to be among the placed winners at Kona is formidable. Besides, dude looks great on magazine covers.

More here: Outside Magazine