Search
shop

Sam Long ends ‘tenacious’ triathlon season and admits that T100 was ‘enough to break him’

'The Big Unit' found himself up against it on a regular basis as he took on the world's very best middle-distance stars in T100.
Editor-In-Chief
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Sam Long sat back with pride on Sunday in Dubai after competing what he described as a ‘tenacious’ triathlon season.

‘The Big Unit’ came home in 10th place in the Grand Final in the desert, enough for him to claim sixth in the final Series standings.

It was another day where the 28-year-old American star was forced to make up ground after his weakest discipline – the swim – once again left him with much to do.

It was a familiar story in a gruelling 2024 for Long as he took on the world’s very best a distance which means the pace is always hot. He referenced that regular recovery battle he faced in a heartfelt post on his Instagram account.

Advertisement

Sam Long on 2024 season

Sam wrote: “Closed out my season with a 10th place finish @t100triathlon Dubai Yesterday. It was good enough for me to finish 6th in the series.

“I fought with everything I had. The inner strength required to surmount such big comebacks on 6 different occasions was enough to break me!

“This has been a tenacious year and I can gladly say I am the best version of myself I’ve ever been both as an athlete and person. I am proud of what I have done and can look back and say it is my best season in sport.”

T100 a brutal competition

Long has been at pains to praise the level of competition and brilliance he comes up against regularly in T100, and he did it again here, revealing: “I want to thank all the competitors for pushing me so hard – where my best is rarely good enough. I want to thank my sponsors for the support and allowing me to chase my dreams. I want to thank the fans for all the love. Most important, I want to thank my family for giving me everything.

“Now I try to find an off switch I’m not sure I have 😂 (for a bit) and then get working!”

Graham Shaw
Written by
Graham Shaw
Graham has been involved with TRI247 & RUN247 since the summer of 2021. Since then he has provided strategic direction for all news and is passionate about the growth of triathlon as a fan sport.
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
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!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
Anne Haug wins Challenge Roth 2024 [Photo credit: Simon Fischer | Challenge Roth]
Anne Haug on inspiration ahead of comeback, sub-eight and no intention of retiring just yet
Caroline Pohle Ironman 70.3 Zell Am See 2024
CHAOS as Lena Meissner wins amazing sprint finish to become 70.3 European Champion and is then DEMOTED
Alistair Brownlee Nathan Edmondson Oxenhope Straw Race 2025
Olympic legend Alistair Brownlee dons Trump costume and downs pints in fundraising Oxenhope Straw Race
Sam Laidlow joy Challenge Roth win 2025
Challenge Roth hero Sam Laidlow thought he was in front for HOURS before taking lead
Sam Laidlow celebrates Challenge Roth win 2025
Challenge Roth 2025 men’s results: INCREDIBLE comeback win for Sam Laidlow
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...