Known as one of the greatest athletes to grace the sport of triathlon, six-time Hawaii IRONMAN Triathlon World Champion and IRONMAN Hall of Famer, Dave Scott, will be at the start line at Saturday’s IRONMAN 70.3 Hawaii triathlon race.
But don’t get too excited just yet.
Scott, who was given the nickname “The Man” for his gutsy and winning IRONMAN performances in the 80’s, won’t be wearing a race number or sporting a swim cap like everyone else. His presence will be as a spectator, coach, and avid fan of the sport he helped define.
“I’m just out here to support Lora, the winner of the BioAstin Sweepstakes,” Scott said.
Lora’s grand prize for winnin ghte BioAstin Sweepstakes – an all paid for destination trip to Hawaii’s sunny Kohala Coast for a front row seat to Saturday’s half IRONMAN with Scott.
“Fortunately, I’ve had a great connection with BioAstin and we’ve collectively put together a busy five days up through the event, including a special lunch at the Four Seasons where I’ll be conducting three camps this summer,” Scott said.
At 62 years of age, Scott doesn’t seem to be slowing down one bit.
Luckily, I was able to catch up with “The Man” who divides his time as a triathlon coach, fitness consultant, motivational speaker, commentator and corporate consultant, to discuss how he became a triathlete, his thoughts on the evolution of the sport, and whether it’s harder to be a coach or athlete.
Q. Describe your athletic background and how you became a triathlete?
I’m a life long athlete who started in swimming at age seven. I played golf, basketball through my high school years, swam, and also competed in water polo. I was a High School All American in water polo – and continued with swimming and water polo in college during my four years. I took up triathlon in 1976.
I was coaching a Masters swim program and went to a triathlon event with a group of my swimmers. November in San Francisco was quite cold. It started with a 9-mile bike, 4-mile run and 1.3-mile swim in San Francisco Bay – water temperature at 55-degrees. I won this first race and the grand prize was a frozen turkey! The event was near Thanksgiving time and the prize was unique and appropriate! I was hooked on the sport. I then competed in several short triathlons and entered the IRONMAN which was held on Oahu in 1980.
Q. What would you say is your most memorable experience of your career?
Probably coming back after a five-year absence at age 40 and then came in second at the IRONMAN World Championships. No one expected me to do well, and second (overall) was a solid day but my marathon faltered at the end and Greg Welch took advantage of my blip and went on to win.
Q. What are your thoughts on how the sport has evolved over the last 35-plus years?
Dramatic changes! Worldwide events in 70-plus countries, World Championships at the 70.3 races, and Olympic racing since 2000. Participation has grown exponentially and the sport is expensive but still enticing for all levels.
Q. Hypothetically, would you prefer competing in triathlon during your era – or today?
Well, tough question. I’d like the paycheck they receive today but Kona and the World Championships was THE RACE during my era. Winning four T–shirts (for my first four wins) was seemingly enough to keep me motivated.
Q. In the world of professional triathlon, what’s your opinion on which is the bigger title: “IRONMAN World Champion,” or “Olympic Triathlon Gold Medal Winner”?
The IRONMAN World Championship has a long history dating back to ’78 and the Olympics started in 2000. Having the history, the IRONMAN is still the Wimbledon of our sport. However, the Olympic distance athletes and Gold Medalists are competing in a magical forum. No one can dilute the value of an Olympic Gold Medalist. If the sport had evolved earlier, the opportunity to race this distance at an Olympic venue…Wow, pretty darn special!
Q. In all of your years in the sport, what would you say is the best advice given to you?
“Do what you can do at the moment.” This eliminates procrastination and self-doubt and is a solid phrase to put in action during daily life and certainly while racing. The phrase quoted by a friend and sports psychologist was cited prior to my ’94 race. I’ve used it with all of my athletes that I’ve coached and during any corporate talk.
Q. Your son Drew is currently a professional triathlete, are you involved with his coaching?
I was until this season. He is now coached by Matt Dixon. I’m always listening and quietly advising him.
Q. Which do find is harder, being a coach or an athlete?
Both are challenging because the emotional toll as a coach has superseded some of my emotional ups and downs during my professional racing career. Athletes are fickle, demanding, and sometimes simply need a solid sounding board. I’m a great psychologist!
Q. When and how did your nickname “The Man” come to be?
Scott Tinley came up with it during the 80’s.
Q. Anything else you would like to add?
Still train like a demon but need to watch my heart function. I’ve never tired of the magic of exercising doing swim, bike and run plus sharing tips and ideas with athletes. I’ve always had an equal passion as a teacher/coach and this fire has never diminished.