saw that too...it was VERY emotional! hats off to the dude!

Who is He? Excuse my ignorance,this is the second reference I have heard of the gentleman.

Check out who came in 6th in 2001 and what division he was in this time and why? This has to be the best "personal interest" story of the race.

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Frank,
An original Ironman and the Inventor of PowerCranks

From xtri.com

"The Hawaii Ironman is a day long assault on the senses. From the rollercoaster ride of the swim start, through the gut-wrenching difficulties of the DNFs in the making, to the soaring elation of the finishers. For 17 hours, it's the human spirit laid bare. But one athlete in this year's race will pull the emotional heart strings of those watching even more than any other. Belgian triathlete, Marc Herremans, finished last year's race in 6th position, easily qualifying him as the surprise package of the year. For 2002, in a bitter twist of fate, Marc will compete in the wheelchair division. His sole goal? To cross the Alii Drive finish line once again".



See the full story at

http://www.xtri.com/article.asp?id=775

Herremans is (in my books he still is and will always be) a pro triathlete from Belgium.
He took 6th overall in 2001.
In january 2002 he had a bike accident in Lanzarote who left him paralized. He decided to race kona 2002 in a wheelchair but a urinary track infection prevented him from doing so.
he came back this year and did it.
the dude is awesome!

Get the 2002 IMH video and that will explain it all about Marc H.

Just back from the Awards Banquet and the after party (which is still raging without me). What an awesome week! Lori was so gracious in her remarks, especially about friends/family and the volunteers. Peter was just so happy to be there after all he has been through. I'll be back next year to volunteer and watch the race. What a way to spend a week in October! And maybe next year, I can collect on that breakfast from Slowman.

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clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com