Guess I don't have to say which Dave huh?:)
Maybe it was the "Favorite pros" thread or a few of the posts on an IMH thread regarding Dave Scott, but it made me think about whether or not Dave will ever return to the starting line out there.
First, two points..
1. He doesn't need to prove anything anymore.
2. I imagine his life is very busy with family and other obligations.
but....
I wonder if he, knowing how that race has defined his life, can finish off that brilliant career with a DNF.
Given his state of preparation in 2001 (take a look at the video of the T1 transition and he looks as fit as any 47 year old ever), I thought he was a lock for the Top 10 and, given his running ability on that course, maybe better than that.
Like so many others I had been a long time fan and, as a lottery pick in 2001, I was hoping to see him coming down from Hawi as I was struggling up in that wind, maybe catching some inspiration as The Man went by. Alas, it wasn't to be.
Being the athlete he is, I'm sure he has replayed that day a number of times and he did write about it in an honest "Inside Triathlon" article a few months later. Self-imposed pressure, bike fit problems, and perhaps the race conditions all apparently led to his decision that day.
He doesn't owe it to me or anyone else, but I can't help but hope he does take a last shot at it...he'll turn 50 next January and maybe the 2004 race will prove to be irresistible...can a 50 year old go 8:50 in Kona? I wouldn't bet against him. In fact, to heck with any expectation...I'd just like to see "the man who never walks" cross the line one more time.
Best to all,
Mark
Maybe it was the "Favorite pros" thread or a few of the posts on an IMH thread regarding Dave Scott, but it made me think about whether or not Dave will ever return to the starting line out there.
First, two points..
1. He doesn't need to prove anything anymore.
2. I imagine his life is very busy with family and other obligations.
but....
I wonder if he, knowing how that race has defined his life, can finish off that brilliant career with a DNF.
Given his state of preparation in 2001 (take a look at the video of the T1 transition and he looks as fit as any 47 year old ever), I thought he was a lock for the Top 10 and, given his running ability on that course, maybe better than that.
Like so many others I had been a long time fan and, as a lottery pick in 2001, I was hoping to see him coming down from Hawi as I was struggling up in that wind, maybe catching some inspiration as The Man went by. Alas, it wasn't to be.
Being the athlete he is, I'm sure he has replayed that day a number of times and he did write about it in an honest "Inside Triathlon" article a few months later. Self-imposed pressure, bike fit problems, and perhaps the race conditions all apparently led to his decision that day.
He doesn't owe it to me or anyone else, but I can't help but hope he does take a last shot at it...he'll turn 50 next January and maybe the 2004 race will prove to be irresistible...can a 50 year old go 8:50 in Kona? I wouldn't bet against him. In fact, to heck with any expectation...I'd just like to see "the man who never walks" cross the line one more time.
Best to all,
Mark