I think it is more likely that most people haven't heard of him before and therefore came with no preconceived notions. That or the fact that our fellow ST'ers raced and had varying degrees of success but all were of interest.

FWIW, I don't think there was much made of Bella's third victory at IMFL either.

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"How bad can it be?" - SimpleS

Julian--I am ignoring your response beause you are not American :)

Let me guess... are you from Belgium?

Any person who both wins an iron and also goes sub 8:30 is a stud in my book (I can't read, but I do have a book.)

I am completely focusing my attention toward next years winner, American Greg Picken.

I think you are ignoring me because I once spoke to a Belgian. You cad, Sir.

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"How bad can it be?" - SimpleS

And then there was fellow American Normann Stadler who ST got pretty excited about at IMH 2004.

Marino did great saturday. I was getting splits and before my leg starts hurting I was moving really well on the bike and I was staying 5' back all the time. Liebetrau was hammering the bike. He was really moving fast.
Then on the run, Marino was really smooth...pushed on the first lap and held on the second. Not a super fast run, just what was needed to win.
Now everyone yesterday was acting as if he came out of nowhere which is quite funny...as if euro races didn't count ;-)

Hopefully, that'll give him a bit of recognition.

"as if euro races didn't count "

They count as much as euro baseball. :)

Marino's speech at the awards dinner showed him to be a very pleasant, engaging, and funny guy. And since he could speak American (although he did sound funny) we actually listened. When I saw him on the run course he clearly had it in cruise mode. He had a lead and there was no way he was going to lose it. He certainly appeared to have another gear to go to if anyone made a move.

I must admit that I don't recall ever having heard his name even though I think I was here when he got 5th a couple years back. But if he can knock out times like that a few more times you'll learn about him pretty quick.

I was going to come down to Hooters to say hello last night but several people I know talked me into going to the awards dinner. Word of advice, never go to an awards dinner after a DNF.

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I'm beginning to think that we are much more fucked than I thought.

Frankly, its because I'd never heard of this fellow before Saturday.

That is, until a buddy of mine (an age grouper) ran next to Marino during IMFL on Saturday. The two exchanged words. Rare for a pro to talk to an age grouper during competition. That's what is nice about these two lap races. Marino said to my friend "he must win", "he must hold on", "it means everything to me to win this race". Marino was clearly focused and determined and a nice guy too.

And he did...he won it.

I think Marino is a class act and I'm happy he won, regardless of where he was born....I think regardless of what the leftist American media write, most Americans are good people and wish goodwill upon everyone.

Strange you never heard of him :

2005 : Silver medal World Champions long distance

2005 : Winner 3/4 Ibiza

2004 : Bronze medal World Champions long distance

2003 : Second place Ironman Malaysia

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Fuck a duck and try to fly

and at the world he was what? 7 seconds off first??
really fast...

8, to be correct ;-)

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Fuck a duck and try to fly

8 to win or to be equal? ;-)

To loose... It was 8.10 ;-)))

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Fuck a duck and try to fly

1. Who is Mario?
2. To me, not a great field at IMFL (most where at Kona less than a month ago) so I personally didnt follow it as much as I would other IM races.
3. Not American? I dont know if you noticed but this is an international forum. Stop blaming us for everything.

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"2. To me, not a great field at IMFL (most where at Kona less than a month ago) so I personally didnt follow it as much as I would other IM races."

8:29 is fast...........no matter the competition or course, maybe faster or better competition and he pushes harder and goes 8:24.

t~

yep...similar time to the winners of previous years...same time or so for Tom Evans, or Jason Shortis or Timo Bracht despite some decent wind on the bike

Strange you never heard of him :

2005 : Silver medal World Champions long distance

2005 : Winner 3/4 Ibiza

2004 : Bronze medal World Champions long distance

2003 : Second place Ironman Malaysia

Are those typically, events that the average long course fan follows? Or perhaps in this case, American tri-fan? Is there an IM race that Americans are familiar with less than IM Malaysia?

World champions long distance? Do the same folks that race Kona, also race that race?

It seems understandable, at least to me, that the guy could be off the radar to most fans. Heck, some of the top 10 Kona athletes aren't on most people's radar.

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-- Every morning brings opportunity;
Each evening offers judgement. --

1. He is not famous, but good

2. I know. So what ?

3. Why so defensive ?

Just wanted to give him some attention. Sorry, I destroyed your day.

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Fuck a duck and try to fly

[reply]1. He is not famous, but good

2. I know. So what ?

3. Why so defensive ?

Just wanted to give him some attention. Sorry, I destroyed your day.[/reply]

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Not defensive, just annoyed with constant bashing of americans/america. Were actually nice people, at least here in the midwest.

Im having a good day! There are lots of others in line to ruin it before you do.

Hooray for Belgium! I was there this summer, love the Beer!

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Hey Ed...I am in the Midwest - not far from you :-)

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What if the Hokey Pokey is what it is all about?

[reply][reply]


Not defensive, just annoyed with constant bashing of americans/america. Were actually nice people, at least here in the midwest.
[/reply]
Hey Ed...I am in the Midwest - not far from you :-)[/reply]

Yeah I know. Your in Rockford? im in Palatine. Your about an hour up I 90 from me. You know where Midevil Times is? Im near there.

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