Search
shop

Lionel Sanders follows ‘lifelong dream’ in PTO vs IRONMAN Series decision for 2024 season

Lionel Sanders weighs up the pros and cons of both the PTO Tour and IRONMAN Pro Series.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Lionel Sanders has said that chasing his lifelong dream and inspiring his infant son have helped guide his decision in determining whether he should commit to the PTO Tour or IRONMAN Pro Series in 2024.

The Canadian star, who hasn’t raced a full distance event since October 2022, discussed his decision making process in detail on his YouTube channel as he finalised plans for next year and shared his rationale.

As one of the most popular figures in the triathlon community, his commitment to a race series will likely be a welcome boost to his chosen organisation as the PTO and IRONMAN prepare to go head-to-head in what will be one of triathlon’s biggest years yet.

Advertisement

“Nothing in this life is guaranteed”

Famous for wearing his heart on his sleeve throughout his triathlon career, Sanders was typically candid in his video explaining how he made his decision, revealing that thanks to the support he now enjoys he can freely make the choice based on what best suits him.

ST GEORGE, UTAH - MAY 07: Lionel Sanders of Canada reacts as he approaches the finish line to place second during the 2021 IRONMAN World Championships on May 07, 2022 in St George, Utah. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images for IRONMAN

“Thanks to a number of great sponsors who support me, I think I have the freedom to make the decision more about what’s best for me and less about how do I put food on the table. From my standpoint, I think either pathway that I choose to take would be excellent for development and excellent for the mind.”

Full of plaudits for what the PTO have built, Sanders credited the organisation’s marketing and media. However, with the clock on his career ticking, the Canadian underlined how he had to follow what he is most passionate about.

“The PTO series had amazing marketing and amazing media, and the series highlights every one of my weaknesses, which isn’t a pro from a winning standpoint but is from a development standpoint.

“The main con is that I will be 36 years old when that series starts and I don’t have a ton of time left, nothing in this life is guaranteed, nothing in this career is guaranteed and I don’t have much time left.

“My motivation to do the PTO series would be personal development. What would be the motivation to do the IRONMAN series? It would be to achieve my life dream and to continue to pursue that and set an example for my little boy to pursue your dreams even when all the doors seem shut.” 

“Motivation is a huge piece of the puzzle”

Drawing on what ignited his passion for the sport, and what keeps him going to this day, Sanders said that after two second place finishes at the IRONMAN World Championship, the thought of winning the elusive title in Kona is something that eats at him deep inside.

“My passion is most definitely Ironman. When I googled triathlon, I googled Ironman in 2009 and a picture of Craig Alexander holding the Kona tape that year is what inspired me to do triathlon.

“I know one thing that I have learnt over the years is that motivation is a huge piece of the puzzle and you really have to have your motivation right. That’s something I really have to think about.

I know what it takes to lead the IRONMAN World Championships and I know what it takes to fail with three miles to go to achieve my lifetime goal.”

Addressing his shift to the middle distance last season, Sanders recounted the heartbreak of walking the marathon in Kona last October and said that despite the pain that experience caused, going back to Kona to try chase his dream is what he now plans to go all in on.

“I think I got greatly discouraged and gave up on my dream, but my dream still deep down inside is Kona. It’s a tough decision for sure, because I don’t have a ton of time to mess around and when I make the decision, I have to be all in. There’s no capacity to turn back.” 

Tomos Land
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
Discover more
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
FORM Smart Swim 2 PRO lens close up
FORM Smart Swim Pro 2 Goggles review: can these high tech goggles actually help you to train smarter and swim faster?
Premium‘The difference from triathlon is so big – there’s no comparison’: Maya Kingma on life in the Women’s WorldTour peloton
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth 2025 finish line
PremiumLaura Siddall: 10 things I’ve learned from my professional triathlon career
TRIFIT VORTEX tri suit
The small but mighty tri brand you NEED to know about: Why TRI-FIT are on a mission to disrupt the triathlon apparel scene
latest News
Kristian Grue wins Norseman 2025
Norseman 2025: Grue and Skala conquer ‘Zombie Hill’ and the world’s TOUGHEST triathlon
Hayden Wilde happy T100 Singapore 2025
Hayden Wilde – is he BACK for T100 London after injury nightmare?
Sam Laidlow run Roundhay Park IRONMAN Leeds 2025
‘I’m ready for it’ – Sam Laidlow on why triathlon is hitting new heights in 2025 ahead of IRONMAN World Champs
Alistair Brownlee Olympics Triathlon London 2012 Podium Gold
Olympic icon Alistair Brownlee reveals most British thing ever when it comes to fuelling recovery
Lionel Sanders IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside 2025 celebration finish line
Lionel Sanders provides BIG update on triathlon comeback
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

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...