My (now) wife Shannon and I were quite surprised upon our arrival at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii to see that we’d be sharing the location of our wedding with the Trek/K-Swiss triathlon team’s training camp. On the day of our wedding, I asked the front desk to deliver a short note to Chris Lieto to see if he’d swing by the wedding reception for a quick photo with the bride and groom (a “very amateur triathlete” as I called myself, and a past Kona finisher). I have to admit that I didn’t think he’d be up for it, which is why I ended my note with a “if not, good luck with your training and have a fantastic season.” Well, much to our delight, an hour or two into our night, a cute little girl ran up to our dance floor, being chased by Chris in tow! The girl turned out to be Chris’ daughter and he had indeed shown up in the vicinity of our reception. We chatted for a few minutes, took a photo and thanked him repeatedly for entertaining what must have been quite an odd request. I wanted to share the photo with the community here and thank Chris again for his class and humbleness in being there - we appreciated the gesture very much!
Aloha!
Berend
P.S.: As an additional bonus, we caught a glimpse of Julie Dibens’ new triathlon bike:
That’s awesome. My wife and I honeymooned in Kona in 09’ and we were at the same hotel as his wife and kids. What a great family!!! Taught his son how to do the seal on the side of the pool and swam all around with him. Chris was there after the race and you hit the nail on the head … nice guy!!! Congrats!!!
He seems like such a nice guy. But you never know about athletes that seem one way in public and then another privately. Glad to see he lives up to the hype.
Not sure if he’s going to make it this year, but I’m doing the Nautica South Beach tri and he and Macca did it last year. Hoped they would do it again this year…
Awesome! It goes to show that triathlon has not outgrown itself just yet. The top athletes are still real, approachable people. Do you think that A. Rod, Aaron Rogers or Kobe Bryant would do that?
My family and I were in June Lake for “the toughest race in the most beautiful place” last summer. Chris did a meet and greet with alot of the fans and did the swim in the Olympic Tri. Anyways, Chris was super humble, polite, and just a great guy. Thanks Chris!!! To all those who think you are the bomb, take a lesson from Chris. Good luck in Kona 2011, you can do it!!!
Congrats on the wedding and hopefully you’ll have many more memories like the one you shared.
I have dealt with Chris, although from a distance, and as stated by many here, he seems the real deal and a refreshing breathe of air when compared to many pro athletes. Everyone I have ever talked with whom he has touched says the same thing; what a great image to have and he seems to raise it another level with each year. I always wish the best for him, and hope his hard work, dedication and generosity gains him the prizes he chases. I hope to have the chance down the road to have an occasion to express in person what I say here…class, and the image we need more of in sport.
You know it’s ST when everyone’s like, “Congrats on meeting Lieto!” and forget to congratulate you on the marriage, though I would’ve if someone didn’t think of it. . .
CONGRATS!!! That’s great. Very cool of Lieto as well, I’m excited to see him run like we know he can next year.
