Ironman World Championship 2024: From “nobody” to reigning champion, Sam Laidlow sets his sights on Hawaii title

When Sam Laidlow arrived on the Big Island of Hawaii two years ago, few expected him to challenge for the Ironman world title. Even deep into the marathon in a race he had led for hours, an implosion was surely imminent. It never came.

His runner-up finish in Kona, placing him between Norwegians Gustav Iden and Kristian Blummenfelt on the podium, was followed by victory in Nice last year, making Laidlow the youngest man to take the title. The 25-year-old will wear bib No. 1 on Saturday.

“It couldn’t be any more different,” he said at the pre-race press conference. “Two years ago, I came here with my dad as a nobody in the sport, but that day was amazing.

“Only Gustav passed me, but it could have been 10 guys, and I still would have been content with my race.”

The lead-up to 2024 has been different, with the spotlight now firmly on Laidlow as a favourite, despite his single Ironman victory.

“Surreal,” he continued. “This whole week leading up to the race has been positive in many ways, but also comes with a lot of new demands.”

As reigning champion, Laidlow doesn’t need to qualify for the Ironman World Championship but does need to validate his place.

Attempting this in Ironman Vitoria-Gasteiz in Spain in July, he was disqualified for failing to serve a drafting penalty. 

However, Ironman controversially ruled that his completion of the full distance warranted a Kona spot.

Happier scenes unfolded in London a fortnight later, where he won in the T100 series, and a second-place finish in Ibiza T100 last month suggests he is peaking at the right time.

“In the second half of the year, I’ve gone back to a very simple life, training with my dad, my core team, and my training partner, Arthur [Horseau],” he continued.

“I’ve never felt particularly talented, but the biggest gift has been the people motivating me. If I do win on Saturday, it will definitely be thanks to them.

“Since last year’s win, I’ve been on an upward trajectory. I don’t need to change anything – just keep trusting the process.”

The run-up hasn’t been entirely smooth. A week ago, Horseau announced he would drop out of the race, citing mental and physical exhaustion, although recent social media posts suggest he may have had a change of heart.

Iden has also faced challenges since his victory in Hawaii two years ago. While he will compete on Saturday, he has downplayed his chances.

“Not this year,” he said when asked if he could win. “That would be almost disappointing because I haven’t trained at the same quality as before.

“If I won, it would imply I’m just talented and don’t need to  train that well to succeed.

“To realise at 28 that winning wasn’t due to training but to talent would be disappointing.

“So, hopefully, I’ll perform well, but not beyond what my training predicts.”

Iden missed last year’s race in the south of France due to a mix of personal and professional challenges, including his mother’s death, injury, and an unravelling Olympic qualification campaign.

“My journey took me to Nice last year, but only to watch Sam’s very inspiring performance,” Iden said. “To be on the sidelines is not what an athlete is meant for.

“I felt left out, but there was little I could do. I had an injury and didn’t quite feel like myself – not that I really know how I’m supposed to feel.

“I’m glad to be back here, though I’m pretty certain it won’t be the same as last time.

“Everyone’s improving significantly. Not long ago, 8hrs on the island was remarkable, but now it’s a top-10 performance.

“I expect some groundbreaking performances this year. A lot will depend on conditions, of course, and I’ve taken an optimistic approach with my bike position.

“The wind on the Big Island can be challenging. I didn’t really notice it last time, as the conditions were kind to us.”