Patrick Lange ended an incredible 2024 on a high by claiming a spectacular podium in Germany’s Sportsperson of the Year awards.
This award is a huge deal and the equivalent of BBC SPOTY in the UK (the award Alex Yee was shortlisted for on Tuesday evening). And Lange has form, having finished second in 2017 and actually winning it in 2018.
This year the three-time IRONMAN World Champion finished third again after claiming an epic hat-trick of Kona titles on the Big Island with that incredible run to glory to close out a brutal race in Hawaii. He received his prize at a glittering awards ceremony, while Olympic rowing champion Oliver Zeidler claimed the top prize after his Paris 2024 victory.
Lange on SPOTY award
Writing in a post on his Instagram account, Patrick revealed: “I’m thrilled to receive 3rd place at the Sportsperson of the Year awards in Germany! After winning the title in 2018 and finishing 2nd in 2017, the set of trophies is now complete. 🏅🥈🥉
It’s always something special to stand among those incredible athletes, especially in an Olympic year. A big congratulations to @ollizeidler and @lukas01swim for taking gold and silver—truly well-deserved! 🤝💪🏼
Thank you, @sportler_des_jahres, for hosting such an amazing evening and bringing the entire sports family together to celebrate what has been an incredible year. Here’s to sportsmanship, hard work, and inspiring performances across the board!”
Triathlon a huge deal in Germany
Lange’s podium once again re-iterates the strength of triathlon in Germany, with swim/bike/run stars being regulars on the shortlist for the country’s biggest individual sports award.
As well as Lange taking the prize in 2018 after his second Kona win, his great rival Jan Frodeno claimed Germany’s SPOTY in 2015.
Amazing 2024 for Lange
The podium for Lange’s year, which of course was highlighted by that incredible Kona victory of 38. He also was a winner at IRONMAN Texas in April.
Lange also claimed second prize in the IRONMAN Pro Series behind Italy’s Gregory Barnaby – netting him a bonus payout of $130,000.
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