I was talking with Emma Jane last night as we planned my season for 2009. I had obviously been feeling a little down after my bad luck in Kona and was really trying to focus on next year and getting my family sorted and season planned. The last 10 days has all been about this. We move back to Australia as Tahlia starts school and we have managed to plan a very soild race schedule with a specific focus on Ironman 70.3 events early season and then full speed ahead to defend my Ironman European Championship title in Germany and The World Championships in Kona.
After planning our year for 2009 we were reflecting on Hawaii 2008 and looking at some photos from the month we spent in Kona. It was then I realised how self consumed I had been and how I had forgotten about the wonderful experiences I had had in Hawaii 2008. I was so focused on planning ahead that I forgot to reflect and look at what had happened around me.
The most special memory for me from the 2008 Ironman World championship actually happened 4 days before I even pulled my race number on. On Tuesday afternoon at 5pm on October 7th, my eldest daughter Tahlia competed in her first ever race. It was such an amazing afternoon. We had planned this event for weeks and Tahlia was so excited building up to this moment. She wanted to "race like daddy" and was excited to get her new running shoes and swimming goggles. We ventured down to Dig Me Beach at the Pier, where the Ironman World Championships would start 4 days later, and Tahlia and I enjoyed our first race together. It was absolutely unreal and to see the smile on my daughters face for the duration of this race, was priceless.
We have so many photos of this day, and flicking through these with my wife made me smile and take something so amazing out of my Hawaii 2008. My daughter Tahlia, who toed the line with Kaiden Lieto (Chris Lietos son) and Gabriel Kehr (Gina Kehrs Daughter) and smiled and laughed for 20 minutes as she enjoyed racing with the other 50 or so children in Hawaii, and threw her arms up in the air as she crossed the line. I have never been so proud nor have I been so happy. It was an incredible experience and an incredible day.
The Ironman Hawaii World Championships of 2008 did not bring me the result I was after nor expected, but what it did deliver to me was an experience i shared with my daughter that will live with me forever, and photos that will fill our family photo albums. It will be the year that I remember all the wonderful things that this sport does for families and how being a healthy role model is so important for your children. I was so proud to be Tahlia's dad and enjoyed so much this day. My daughters laugh and smile will be etched in my memory forever.
I have uploaded a few photos from the day here. It was a wonderful day and thanks to all the organisers for putting this race on. To Kaiden Lieto, Tahlia wants a rematch next year. To my daughter Tahlia, I am so proud of you and love you very much. I look forward to next year and look forward to seeing you all at a race in 2009.
Stay safe and healthy,
Macca
Thanks for the post! I have been running for as long as I can remember. I have been doing tris for ten years. I am not fast, I have only placed in my age group once. I may not ever qualify for Kona. But I will be an example for my girls and I appreciate you recognizing how much it means to her and that you, Ironman World Champion, took time to race with her. In my book, that's what it's all about. Thanks for being such a great guy - and a great World Champion!
Posted by: Chris | October 24, 2008 at 01:26 PM
Great athlete!
Impressive performer!
Probably the best multisport athlete of your generation!
It is great to read a post like this and to know that you have your priorities in the right place aswell.
You are a STAR!
Keep doing what you do Champ and win your title back in 2009. I am sure Tahlia would enjoy seeing that.
Posted by: Brad Jenkins | October 26, 2008 at 06:26 PM
You are a Class act.
Enough said
Posted by: Craig Jeffery | October 26, 2008 at 06:29 PM
Dear Chris:
You are a true champion, and reading your post about your little angel racing is just wonderful.
You surely are a proud father and your daughter is a gorgeous little girl.
Congratulations to you man, for being a truly champion, a great embassador for the sport, and a great inspiration!!!
Thank you for sharing those awesome pics and story about your little girl´s race! Watch out females Pros! ;-)
I am sure next year you´ll come back stronger!
We´ll be cheering for you man!
Santiago and Yaddi
Quito-Ecuador-SouthAmerica
Posted by: Santiago | October 27, 2008 at 01:25 PM
Macca,
What a tribute you are to Fathers as well as Triathletes. Thanks for your dedication to the sport and showing the world it does not replace your family. It was nice getting beat by you at the Pumpkinman last weekend... I guess you are The Champ for a good reason! I have 3 little ones and just started Tris last year and am excited as my oldest develops an interest in health and racing. She has planned a race for all the cousins for next year at a community pool... she is 6. If you are in Vegas you can bring Tahlia and race with us, although we might not pose the same level of competition as Kaiden Lieto.
Posted by: Eric | October 29, 2008 at 01:44 PM
Macca,
I saw Chris Lieto's youtube of the kid's race. The cutest video ever! It's a pleasure to be a supporter of yours. I saw you with your family at Lava Java a few days after the race and would have loved a photo with you but didn't want to disturb your family time. Looking forward to your 2009 season! I was in Kona rooting you on this year..I will be there next year to cheer even louder! Thanks for sharing the experience through your eyes with us!
Posted by: Yi | October 29, 2008 at 09:37 PM