Dan Lorang has enjoyed unprecedented coaching success in Kona, with the two obvious highlights 2019 and 2023.
In 2019 he coached both the men’s and women’s winners, Jan Frodeno and Anne Haug. And then four years later he had the one-two with Lucy Charles-Barclay and Haug in what was a female-only year.
But it’s fair to say that this season’s renewal in Hawaii was a tough day out – and watch – for him.
‘It hits hard’
It all looked to be going swimmingly as his two star athletes, Charles-Barclay and Taylor Knibb led the way for much of the swim, bike and run.
They went toe-to-toe with each other but then in the searing heat and humidity, things started to unravel. LCB was first to step off the course when her husband Reece stepped in for what he said “was the easiest call I’ll ever make“. Dan had also been alerted to Lucy’s condition by his own wife, who was watching the live broadcast, and had arranged a medical car.
That seemingly left Knibb in total control up front but with less than 4km remaining the conditions would also get the better of her as she slumped to the roadside.
It was difficult for anyone to watch and now Lorang has explained the emotions he went through during the day and since then.
Writing on Instagram in a typically thoughtful post, he said: “The World Championships in Hawaii turned out very differently from what we had all hoped for my athletes, @lucycharles93 and @taylorknibb . When both of them don’t make it to the finish line, it hits hard – and as their coach, I take responsibility for that.
“Of course, I could start looking for reasons or explanations. But honestly, none of that would change the outcome or undo what happened. When we win, we don’t justify success – we celebrate it together. And in the same spirit, we must face setbacks: with honesty, reflection, and respect for one another. Don’t get me wrong – we’ll leave no stone unturned until we have all the facts that led to this result. However, we’re not looking for excuses.”
On to the next chapter
Dan added: “What was clear on that day, though, was this: two incredible athletes giving everything they had, racing with open hearts, leaving it all out there, and risking everything to chase their dream. That deserves nothing but the deepest respect.
“I’m so grateful that both are doing well again, that they can smile, laugh, and move forward. I’m grateful I could be there – to support them, to share the emotions, and to face those tough moments together with their teams.
“In the end, what remains is gratitude. Gratitude for the privilege of working with such extraordinary people. Gratitude for their courage, passion, and strength. And gratitude that we went through this experience together – with trust, dedication, and mutual respect and that we left the island as a team.
“Chapter closes, on to the next one 👊🏻”
Class words from a class act.
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