Search
shop

‘Bitter’ Lionel Sanders says he’s ‘sulked’ since last 70.3 Worlds appearance seven years ago

'These races suck when you're last out of the water," admits 'No Limits'.
News Director
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

Lionel Sanders has said that his result at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships in 2016 made him so bitter that he hasn’t returned to the event until now, even though he reckons his swim is currently in “the worst” shape of his career.

‘No Limits’ actually finished ninth that day seven years ago in Mooloolaba on Australia’s Sunshine Coast and clocked the fastest run but it was the swim, which saw him give up significant time to virtually all his rivals, that left him so unimpressed.

Speaking ahead of this week’s renewal, the Canadian explained: “It just taught me I learned a lot of lessons – it’s a tough game for a weak swimmer, and then I never went back until this one.

“So, yeah, that’s how bitter I was, because 70.3 has always been, like, my better distance.”

Looking back on that period he admits he wishes he’d done things differently, explaining: “What a weak mindset, though, with reflection. Why don’t you fix your swim, get two minutes closer in the swim or something, and come back the next year instead? I didn’t, and I sulked for however long that was.”

Advertisement

‘I’ve learned a lot’

So does he return with renewed confidence? Not exactly…

“How is my swim coming? Worst in my career, honestly. Probably some of the worst swimming I’ve ever done.

Without thinking about technique for a year and a half, I have become almost as bad as my entire career.

“And that’s not good coming into the world champs.

“I am making gains but [was] basically last out of the water a couple of weeks ago in Milwaukee, and man, these races suck when you’re last out.

“You have to [focus on technique] as a weak swimmer. I do some stupid things, man, but this is one of the dumbest. And to think that you shouldn’t have any thought on technique. I used to have an endless pool, for instance, and that at least you could see how bad you were every day in the mirror.

Lionel Sanders at the press conference ahead of 70.3 World Championship 2023
Lionel Sanders at the press conference ahead of 70.3 World Championships [Photo credit: Ville Kashkivirta / IRONMAN]

“But, yeah, whatever happens, happens now. I won’t be bitter at all. I’ve learned a lot.”

‘He makes me smile all the time’

So while there’s work to do on the swim, Sanders is happy with the bike and run and revealed that his mindset has changed since the birth of his first child late last year.

“I love that little guy, he makes me smile all the time. And my dad told me – and this is how I think about everything – that time away from the family is time you’ll never get back.

“So when I’m out there training, you get the job done, you’re doing the absolute best, because I’m never going to be able to get this time back. And then when I’m home, I’m as present as I possibly can be.

“I went to the track workout this morning and there’s no weakness. There’s very little weakness now. There is no moment to waste now.

“I’m in good form, but the swim is the worst ever,” concluded the man who got back to winning ways at IRONMAN 70.3 Oregon last month, aided by a down-current swim.

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
Dave Ellis / Luke Pollard - World Para Triathlon Championships Pontevedra 2023
Golden opportunity – British Triathlon launches search for LA2028 paratriathlon guides
IRONMAN Lanzarote 2024 - Anne Haug on run course
Best marathon shoes for Ironman – the ‘legal’ super shoes you CAN wear to level up your run split
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
swim start IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Tony Svensson IRONMAN
Level up your Ironman swim split – must-read tips from an expert swim coach
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
latest News
Taylor Knibb 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand
US triathlon phenom Taylor Knibb hails great rival Kat Matthews for record-breaking IRONMAN Texas win
Richard Varga Jonny Brownlee Arzachena
Triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee reveals ‘Last Dance’ motivation behind latest challenge
IRONMAN Kona 2022 Age Group Results
How will “re-imagined” IRONMAN World Championship at Kona actually look for Age Groupers?
Lucy Charles-Barclay IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2023 Finish
IRONMAN World Championship goes ALL IN on Kona again with men and women to race on same day from 2026
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
Nice gets consolation prize of 70.3 Worlds after IRONMAN World Championships return to Kona
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...