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

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.”

‘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.

“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.