Her World Famous Finish

Back in 1981 Julie Moss couldn't come up with a topic for her senior year project (PE major) at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. And so, one rainy afternoon she turned on the tv and caught part of ABC's Wide World of Sports' Ironman Triathlon broadcast. Moss found her topic and would go on to compete in the Ironman in 1982.

It's funny how things work:


  • Moss found inspiration for her college project watching the Ironman broadcast.

  • A year later, her mesmerizing crawl to the finish would capture hearts worldwide and go on to become one of Ironman's defining moments.
If you haven't seen highlights of her race click here. Read Moss' race report here.

This year marks the 30th anniversary for the Ford Ironman World Championships. Follow 1,800 athletes as they swim, bike and run to the finish.

Catch live coverage Oct. 11th, 2008 at http://ironman.com/ . Tune in for NBC's feature Dec. 13 from 2:30-4 p.m.

Here are some of the stories they are tracking for this year's coverage.
http://ironman.com/events/ironman/worldchampionship/kona2008/kevin-mackinnon-reports-on-some-of-the-inspiring-stories-well-be-keeping-track-of-on-saturday

Tell me:
  • What goes through your mind watching Julie Moss struggle to the finish line?
  • What is your most memorable race experience?

5 comments:

dr0cc said...

hi! thanks for reading my post on http://dr0cc.blogspot.com. not sure if you remember, but you asked me what book i was talking about in my most recent blog entry about my experience at the ironman longhorn 70.3. the name of the book is "explorers of the infinite" it's an interesting read, but could also get a little dry at times. let me know what you think. good luck and see you at the races!

Adrienne said...

That video was a little heartbreaking, but I have to admire her determination!

ShirleyPerly said...

Thanks for the comment on my Maine Marathon race report! I agree with Adrienne that her determination to finish despite her body shutting down is admirable.

My most memorable races are the toughest ones I've had: a DNF at IMFL and nearly dropping out of a marathon due to severe runners trots. I'm not sure why but races that I've done well in just don't stick in my mind for as long.

Sara Cox Landolt said...

Hi dr0cc, Yes, I remember asking about the book. Thanks for getting back to me.

Adrienne, yes, it is heartbreaking. Fortunately, endurance athletes today are much better prepared nutritionally than some of the earlier races that didn't have as much/or anything at the aid stations.

Shirleyperly, thanks so much for visiting!

The Lazy Triathlete said...

I remember watching her finish when I was a kid. It was amazed by her determination and somewhat shocked at the same time.

My most memorable race memory is the swim of my first triathlon. It was a sprint in Middle May and the water was COLD. I still shiver, even though i have swam in colder water since then.