The raw emotion was obvious when Patrick Lange crossed the line for a third IRONMAN World Championship in Kona.
It was six years since his previous triumph on the Big Island but the 38-year-old showcased his talent and experience brilliantly again as he ran out a clear-cut winner after what had been a slightly up-and-down season.
Lots of work on his swim was evident as he made the front pack, to the surprise of some. And then on the bike he was essentially able to stick with the chase group before unleashing his most powerful weapon – that fearsome run.
The German started the marathon over nine minutes behind leader and defending champion Sam Laidlow, but had reeled him in before the halfway point before powering clear for the win.
All the while he looked as smooth and as graceful as ever as he clocked a fastest-of-the-day (by nearly eight minutes) marathon.
‘I’m really proud I did this for her’
But crossing the line the emotions poured out, and no wonder. Speaking in the post-race press conference he explained why as he dedicated the victory to his late mother, revealing: “When I was running along Ali’i Drive, about five kilometres into the run, it really struck me.
“I got goosebumps all over my body, even if I was really hot. And that was the moment where I definitely felt her.
“She died in 2020 from cancer. And when I was with her in the hospice, when I had my last talk to her, she said, I really wish you to be on that top step. I really want you to kick butts one more time. That was a big ‘why’. And I’m really proud that I did this for her.
“I always said that my best day was yet to come and nobody believed in me but this was the day, it was the absolutely perfect day. And again, this is for my Mum. I just feel grateful to be here.”
Giving back
Lange rightly received a great ovation at the press conference for that touching tribute and later in the day he would head back to the finish line, this time to cheer on others as they completed their own IRONMAN journeys as the clip below shows.
Pure class, on and off the race course.
