2023 IRONMAN World Champion Sam Laidlow Wants a Two-Peat in Kona

Last year marked the first time that the IM World Championship was split up into two locations, with the women remaining on the Big Island and the men heading to Nice.

As the men’s race drew nearer last September – and the Norwegians were notably absent – names like Patrick Lange, Magnus Ditlev, and Jan Frodeno (who was competing in his final IMWC) began making the rounds with regards to who might cross the finish line first.

Frenchman Sam Laidlow had come in second place in Kona in 22, but had a tough early 2023 season with a DNF at IM Lanzarote and a slew of nutrition-related difficulties at other races. His name was mentioned here and there, but rarely in the vein of having a chance to win in Nice.

Then, Laidlow shocked most of the triathlon world by claiming first in Nice in a time of just over eight hours, crowning him IM World Champion.

Laidlow has found success in 2024 at the T100 races, with two podiums at that distance, but a contested disqualification at IM Vitoria-Gasteiz left Laidlow in the lurch for a moment, thinking he would not validate his spot for Kona. In the end, IRONMAN allowed Laidlow a slot to compete, and he’s now back on the Big Island and aiming for a two-peat.

Another Podium Finish for Laidlow?

ST: How do you feel being the returning IM World Champion heading into Kona? Do you feel as though you have a target on your back, or are you more relaxed knowing you’ve already achieved the highest podium finish in all of IRONMAN triathlon?

SL: I feel happy and content with where I am right now, of course there will always be pressure in triathlon, but I feel like it’s being overridden by the joy of being healthy, fit and in contention for another title. It’s not about the outcome right now, I just need to keep making sure I do everything I can to be the best – that’s what success is to me.

ST: What did it mean to you to have back-to-back years of podiums at IMWC, in 2022 and 2023? 

SL: It’s a good question; on the one hand, I feel like I’ve been doing this a very long time already, and on the other, I feel like I have a lot more to give in the sport. I have a deep, profound belief that I can be the best in the world at IRONMAN, and so long as I have that belief I will keep wanting to win world titles. I’ve raced three IRONMAN World Championships and had great days, I just hope I can make it four.

ST: This year has had its ups and downs for you with two podium finishes in T100 races and then the disqualification at IM Vitoria-Gasteiz. On the whole, how do you feel about your season thus far? 

SL: This season was a bit of a slow start, which was of course hard to accept, but in reality this was always the plan. I’ve been so committed these last two months [and that effort] simply isn’t sustainable all year. It’s been a slow build up to this point and I can happily say I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been. Whether I can translate that to the race course is another question.

ST: Kona is a very different course than Nice, and you’ve shown you can have success at both. Can you share any broad strokes of information about how you’ll change your approach for Kona vs. your approach for Nice last year? 

SL: The course in Kona is of course very different to Nice, but both are extremely honest: the fittest guy will win. It’s that simple. On paper, I think Kona probably suits me slightly better; I’m one of the heavier athletes out there and this course favors big power riders more than Nice. The run in Kona is also hillier which suits me more than an all-out fast flat course like Nice. In terms of preparation, there isn’t much difference – I’ve spent a month here which I didn’t do in Nice so naturally riding on the course is probably the biggest difference.

ST: Which course do you ultimately prefer as an IRONMAN World Championship course – Kona or Nice? Why?

SL: Nice was amazing, the course and crowds were spectacular. However, Kona is where my heart lies and will always lie. I’ve watched this race since I can remember on TV and I’ve committed my whole life to trying to win this race in particular.

ST: Who are your sponsors this year?

SL: Hoka, Canyon Bicycles, Ekoi, Oakley, Red Bull, Breitling, HVMN, AG1, Valfidus, Fusion Sportswear, Favero Electronics, Compressport, Maurten, HED Cycling, Sailfish, Ceramic Speed

Photo Courtesy of Baptiste Vignaud 

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