Sam Long has just completed the most gruelling of triathlon seasons in 2024, but taking it easier in 2025 is clearly not an option.
‘The Big Unit’ toed the line 11 times over the past 12 months, with the focus on the T100 Series with more than a little IRONMAN action thrown in.
That new T100 series did not come easy for the American superstar, notably because it highlighted the big weakness in his arsenal, particularly over middle distances. The swim.
Sam was regularly exiting the water alone in T100 combat, for the wrong reasons, with a significant gap to make up on his rivals. The most stark example was Lake Las Vegas in October, where he ended the opening leg well over five minutes down on the front pack.
Sam Long on 2025 schedule
Long though will not be deterred in the goal of improving his weakness, and that he says is why he has signed with T100 for another season rather than heading for what likely would be the more comfortable surrounds of the equally new IRONMAN Pro Series.
Sam’s big long-distance goal for the early part of 2025 is already ticked off, a factor which may have played into his decision. His victory at IRONMAN Chattanooga in September secured his place on the start line for the 2025 IRONMAN World Championship in Nice.
Writing in a post on his Instagram account, Long revealed: “There is no growth in comfort.
“I have signed with @t100triathlon for another year.
“I believe this tour is the best thing to further my development as an athlete and especially the swim.
By competing in races that highlights my weaknesses it will strengthen me. The tour will also harden my mind. And I love being part of it; with the great broadcasts and athlete care.
“As I am already qualified for @ironmantri World Champs I will then remove the handicap and hope to shine. I will also race a few other key races on the Ironman circuit (but not chase pro series).
“Thank you all for your valuable input!”
Sam Long 2024 results
Long’s best T100 performances in 2024 came at the very start of the year, second-place finishes in both Miami and Singapore. After that, seeing him roar through the field after making up that big deficit on the swim became a regular thing. Notably when he finished sixth in Las Vegas after that miserable start.
The three victories he claimed during 2024 all came in IRONMAN events, over the full distance in Chattanooga along with 70.3 successes in Pucon and St George.
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