The Ironman

A triathlon that continues to amaze me every year. Humans take themselves to extremes by swimming 2.4 miles (3.9 km), biking 112 miles (180 km) and running 26.2 miles (42 km) over a maximum time of 17 hours. It is hard to imagine how this is possible and the training that they go through to be able to engage in this event. These athletes show us the extraordinary power that humans have when there is passion and drive to achieve a goal.

For the past four years I have been a volunteer on the last shift from 6:30 pm to midnight. I see people relentlessly going for the finish line. It is an event where thousands of people join efforts to support the athletes. More exactly, 2,000 volunteers that dedicate their time to cheer up the competitors and to assist them throughout the day with water, Gatorade, fruit, etc. It is great to see the solidarity and willingness to support each other.

Finally, I would like to highlight the people behind the scenes. Magnificent logistics, operations and communication planners. Those are the people that in the background make these events a reality. They are masterful coordinators that make up for all the elements that enable this triathlon (e.g. signage, road closures, coordination with local authorities, volunteers, equipment for the runners, etc.)

Athletes, organizers and volunteers…. Humans brought together to take their capabilities to the limit… and more. Truly an amazing event of unity, solidarity and top performance… Humans at their best.

#leadership #purpose #extraordinary #beyondlimits #unity #solidarity