The images of Sam Laidlow finally reaching the finish line at IRONMAN Kona 2024 on Saturday provided an enduring sports memory. The Frenchman had failed in his victory bid, but he had raced like a champion, honouring the race to the end in tortuous circumstances.
Two years ago on the Big Island of Hawaii Laidlow had finished second behind Gustav Iden after producing the breakthrough performance of his career so far. Then last summer in Nice, he went one better by becoming IRONMAN World Champion on home soil.
Laidlow a big pre-race contender
After a trouble-free preparation in 2024, Laidlow arrived in Kona as the many people’s favourite to claim his first Hawaii victory. And for much of Saturday, he appeared ready to back up that belief.
Sam started the day by being right in the front rank for the entirety of the 2.4-mile swim, exiting the water in second place after a 47:06 leg. Then he proceeded to put his rivals to the sword with a quite incredible bike leg.
Laidlow rode alone for most of the 112 miles as he gradually drew clear with a blistering display of elite power. He smashed his own bike course record in the process, taking almost seven minutes off it with an incredible time of 3:57:22.
Sam had a big lead going into the run, and he was around nine minutes clear of the big danger – fleet-footed two-time Kona champion Patrick Lange. But soon it became clear that Sam was starting to struggle.
Sam falters on the run as Lange swoops
Soon Laidlow was at a virtual standstill, drinking Coke to try to kickstart his body and also stopping at a Porta Potty. Quickly he was passed by eventual winner Lange and others as his hopes of victory and even a podium were destroyed.
This is where Laidlow refused to be beaten by the course and the sport. Despite everything, he persevered to the finish line, finally completing the race in 8:02:1 for 18th place.
Afterwards, he posted a heartfelt message to his Instagram account – alongside a picture of him being helped away from the finish line.
He wrote: “A picture speaks a thousand words.
“Can’t thank everyone enough for your kind words of support, unfortunately 18th place yesterday was everything I had.
Huge congrats to the boys on the podium and everyone who laid it all out there, I have so much respect for this sport. It is savage and humbling at times, but so beautiful when it comes together.
“I will regroup and come back stronger, I promise you that 🫶🏼”
At the tender age of 25, Laidlow should have many opportunities to solve the Kona puzzle, and next summer of course he will get the chance to regain his IRONMAN World Champion title again on home soil in Nice.
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