Search
shop

Back in business: Long good to go for St George despite being hit by car

Huge scare for American star ahead of rescheduled IRONMAN World Championship
News Director
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

American Sam Long was back on his bike yesterday, little more than 24 hours after a frightening collision with a car while out training, saying his “reflexes almost definitely” saved his life.

The 26-year-old, who is #5 in the PTO’s world rankings, is one of the leading contenders for the IRONMAN World Championship at St George on May 7 after two impressive wins out of two this season – at CLASH Miami and Challenge Puerto Varas.

But training in Tucson ahead of the rescheduled IMWC in Utah, he explained what happened in a Strava post: “Second ride went well until a lady decided to go on a suicide mission and run into me! 

“My reflexes almost definitely saved my life. Then she got mad at me for swearing at her. Crazy thing is she saw me and decided to accelerate and make the turn as I was already there. 

“Her response you were going faster then I thought! I think I’ll be ok for St G.”

Advertisement

Back on the bike

Sam Long Strava photos
Sam Long’s post on Strava after the incident

Thankfully Sam’s next activity logged on the cycling and running platform was a 30km bike ride titled ‘Back on the 🐎 (slowly but at least back)’.

And an upbeat post on his Facebook page confirmed the good news: “You can’t keep a good man down. After my 🚗 🚴 incident yesterday I am happy to report I will definitely still be at St. G in top form. 

“It’s a reminder that there is no perfect training plan and that things happen. My team and I have modified the plan to make sure the body will be ready. One plus side is that it helps shape the mental landscape in a positive and beneficial way.”

There have already been several high-profile withdrawals from the St George field, including reigning champion Jan Frodeno (Achilles) as well as Javier Gomez and Joe Skipper who have both had COVID recently.

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
Challenge The Championship Marjolaine Pieree
How to qualify for Challenge The Championship – and why it should be on your triathlon bucket list
Cadomotus aero triathlon cycling shoes
Can your triathlon cycling shoes make you faster? How shoe choice could speed up your triathlon finish times
French Riviera T100 bike course Esterel
Is this the ultimate middle distance triathlon bike course? We rode the French Riviera T100 bike course and it’s EPIC
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
latest News
IRONMAN World Championship 2024 Nice Age Group Swim Start
IRONMAN to review World Championship slot allocation model after fears raised for Age Group women
Jonny Brownlee / Jonathan Brownlee - Super League Triathlon London 2023
Did the Brownlee brothers nearly join pro cycling’s Team Sky after 2012 Olympic heroics?
Kristian Hogenhaug interviewed after The Championship 2025
Danish triathlon star highlights blistering bike split as key to The Championship success.
Alistair Brownlee - T100 San Francisco 2024 bike
Olympic triathlon legend Alistair Brownlee completes iconic Gralloch race in latest gravel test
Jeanne Lehair Beth Potter WTCS Yokohama 2025
From Olympic heartbreak to joy of first WTCS win as emotions flow for Jeanne Lehair
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...