2017 Athlete Bios
2017 Ultraman World Championships
Athlete Bios
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#752 David Ahrens, M47, Martinez, CA, USA Occupation: CMO Races: 1st time Ultraman. IM Santa Rosa 2017 Entering Ultraman because: It’s always first about the people. The most amazing Ohana can always be found at Ultra-events, and particularly, at Ultraman. My three years of crewing for Kev and Cat Becker has humbled me, excited me, and now tempted me to tackle the Big Island, with THEIR support. CREW: Swim Escort: Bo Pardau; Land Crew: Kevin Becker (Team Captain), Amanda Weil, Kirk Beckwith |
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#753 Olov Berg, M47, Stockholm, SWEDEN Occupation: IT Consultant Races: 2nd time Ultraman. 4x 100 miles ultramarathons all in 2017, ÖTILLÖ The Swimrun World Championship 2017, 2x 14km Open Water Swimming, 14x ironman, 2015 UltraTri Sweden 617 km. Entering Ultraman because: The pure challenge (body, mind, simple movements; swim bike run, nature, elements) which gets more pure as the distance increase. I was amazed and humbled reading of the distances at first, then curious if it was doable for myself, visit Ultraman race start and finish in 2012 (and did Lavaman Keauhou Triathlon 2012), and participated in Ultraman Florida in 2014. Now, I want to experience the original Ultraman and circumnavigate the Big Island. I love the atmosphere in this Ultraman family, as well as the togetherness, to help each other to tackle impressive achievements. CREW: Swim Escort: Anna & Evelina Berg; Land Crew: Martin Kraenzmer (Team Captain), Jimi Young, Marcus & Felicia Berg, |
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#754 Mauro Ciarrocchi, M53, BRESCIA, ITALY Occupation: Personal Trainer Races: 2nd time Ultraman. ULTRAMAN GALLES 2013 26h01’02, ELBAMAN IRONMAN 25 SEPTEMBER 2016 – HAWAII IRONMAN 8 OCTOBER, 2016 STONEBRIXIAMAN IRONMAN JULY 2016. Entering Ultraman because: I LOVE ENDURANCE EVENTS AND I LOVE HAWAII. CREW: Swim Escort: Iris Ekmanis; Land Crew: Ash Aazami (Team Captain), Ornella Putelli, Keith Bergh |
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#755 Sam Cooke, M48, Queensland, AUSTRALIA Occupation: Firefighter Races: 2nd time Ultraman, Ultraman Australia 2017, World ironman champs Kona 2016, 15 ironman triathlons. Entering Ultraman because: I love the challenge of testing myself and this will be the ultimate of Ultimate tests. CREW: Swim Escort: Dick Roberts; Land Crew: Paul Clark (Team Captain), Mark Revell, Cam Herbert |
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#756 Amy Craft, F41, Texas, USA Occupation: Partner -Law Firm Races: 2nd time Ultraman, UltraMan Florida February 17-19, 2017,10k Swim, 261 Mile Bike, 52.4 Mile Run, Ironman Louisville October 9, 2016,IronMan Boulder August 7, 2016,IronMan Boulder 70.3 June 11, 2016,IronMan Louisville OCtober 11, 2015, Marathon PR – Austin Marathon 3:10:34 (1st AG and 6th female in February 2016),Completed Boston Marathon 4 times with a PR of 3:13 in 2015.,Half Marathon PR 1:26 at the Houston Half Marathon in January 2016. Entering Ultraman because: I was inspired to do this event by other finishers such as my coach Rob Gray. However, personally, I love ultra distance sports. They are a release from my stressful job. The atmosphere of family and love in Florida meant so much to me and I want to carry that in my every day life. Nothing seems more magical to me than being able to complete the UltraMan event in Hawaii. I want to race hard and to the best of my abilities but with love and peace in my heart for myself and my fellow athletes. I also want to race for my mother who is battling Leukemia – her battle is my battle. CREW: Swim Escort: Rena Ekmanis; Land Crew: John Craft (Team Captain), Diane Bambace, Richard Villegas |
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#757 Juan Craveri , M49, Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA Occupation: Business Owner Races: 12th time Ultraman. 1x Ultraman UK, 1x Ultraman Florida, 2x Ultraman Australia, 2x Ultraman Canada, 6x Ultraman Hawaii. Ultraman Australia 2016, Ironman Maastricht, Ironman Vichy 2016, Finisher of: 1x Badwater, 1x MDS, 2x BR135, 10x Marathon, 12x Ultraman, 54x Ironman. Entering Ultraman because: I love the Ohana, it’s special. You have to live it to fully understand what I mean. CREW: Swim Escort: Christine O’Gorman; Land Crew: Summer Maxwell (Team Captain), Konale Block |
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#758 Cleyton A. De Souza, M36, Santa Catarina, BRAZIL Occupation: Empresário Races: 1st time Ultraman. Ub515 – 10 km Swim – 425 km bike 84.4 run / ultramarathon anjos 135 km / 400 km ride audax second place/ andes cross 104 km, El Cruce dos anjos / ub515 / ironman, Entering Ultraman because: Because ultra distante make i learn more about myself CREW: Swim Escort: Gabriel Jacomel; Land Crew: Jose Ricardo Graca (Team Captain), Gabriel Jacomel, Rodrigo Coelho Rodrigues |
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#759 Jochen Dembeck, M50, Nordrhein-Westfalen, GERMANY Occupation: Spinning Instructor Races: 6th time Ultraman World Championships. 2016, 2015, 2013, 2009, 1999 Ultraman World Championships finisher (2009–24:25:31), +30 Ironman Finishs (PB 9h20) — Race Around Switzerland (nonstop Cycling), RATA (Race Across The Alps), TransAlpine Run. Entering Ultraman because: Triathlon with the most spirit on this planet.,Ultra-Ohana reunion – RAT PACK reunion. CREW: Swim Escort: Annalee Taylor; Land Crew: Judith Hartl (Team Captain) Julie Vernon (Team Co-Captain) |
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#760 Jessica Deree, F41, San Diego, CA , USA Occupation: Surgeon extraordinaire Races: 3rd time Ultraman, 2015 and 2016 UMFL, Women’s champion 2016 at Florida, I’m crewing this year at Florida to get a feel for the other side. Also my entire Florida crew is already packed for the Hawaii race 🙂 Entering Ultraman because: I’m ready for the big show. I waited a year and I am injury free. I also love the ohana of these events and admire the participants and crews CREW: Swim Escort: Dona Martinson & Katy Bourne; Land Crew: Chris Wiesner (Team Captain), Joan Kim, Jennifer Hienton, Rachel Wills |
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#761 Lindsey Dymond, M35, Kailua, HI, USA Occupation: Business Owner Races: 1st time Ultraman. Ironman Cozumel 11/2015, IM Cozumel was my last full/ultra in the last 18 months, because I had to limit my training due to opening my newest restaurant – – so I focused on the half iron distance for 2016. I did complete 40+ miles of the Sweethearts Fun Run in February 2016, however. 🙂 Are arm floaties USAT legal?! 😉 In all seriousness, this is my weakest sport, and I’ve never swam more than 2.4…I have completed many ultra distance multi-day neighbor island bike adventures. Also, most recently, I completed the “Festive 500K”, a weeklong bike challenge. On multiple occasions, I have ridden 230+ miles in one day, to honor the Marine Corps birthday. Entering Ultraman because: I race to have fun, and to challenge myself mentally and physically. Thanking and high-fiving volunteers is part of my race strategy! Jen has spoken so highly of the Ultraman ohana over the years, that I want to experience it firsthand. Supporting other athletes and crews while competing in the longest ultra of my life seems like a perfect match for me! CREW: Swim Escort: Jessica Dymond; Land Crew: Mike Flartey (Team Captain), Jessica Dymond, Kelly Sutcliffe |
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#762 Rob Gray, M41, Boulder, CO, USA Occupation: Endurance Coach Races: 3rd time Ultraman, UMWC 2016, Winner Ultraman Florida 2016. Entering Ultraman because: For me, Ultraman represents a true test of physical capability, character and teamwork. To be successful, you need to be very well prepared physically, logistically, and your team needs to embody the true sense of “Ohana”, acting together as a highly-effective family unit to achieve your goals. CREW: Swim Escort: John Roberts; Land Crew: Ian Hersey (Team Captain), Michael Bush |
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#763 Andrew Hartnett, M45, Queensland, AUSTRALIA Occupation: Coach Races: 2nd time Ultraman, Ultraman OZ 2017, Ironman Cairns June 2016,Ironman World Championships (Kona) Oct 2016 (qualification was through the Legacy Program)16 Ironman finishes (including those listed above) since 2009. Entering Ultraman because: I love the combination of the physical and mental challenge ultra distances provide. Most importantly I love the journey (including all the training) and the positive people I meet along the way. I want to do the Hawiian Ultraman because it’s one of the greatest challenges especially due to the unforgiving environment. I spent a month in Kona last year and fell in love with the Island and it’s mystique it has for triathletes. CREW: Swim Escort: ; Land Crew: Liz Shaw (Team Captain), Zoe Shinno |
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#764 Jeremy Howard, M37, Fredericksburg, VA, USA Occupation: Coach Races: 3rd time Ultraman. 2015, 2011 UM Hawaii. Ultraman World Championships, November 2015; Challenge Roth 140.6, July 2016, 4 Iron Distance races (oct 24 2013 – Beach to Battleship; June 27 2014 – Challenge Atlantic City; Sept 7 2014 – IMWI; Oct 25 2014 – Beach to Battleship) Entering Ultraman because: I do these distances because I like to see how I react mentally under extreme physical duress – I think it’s fun trying to get to that really dark place and seeing if I can push through. I love doing UM because all the other athletes and crews are going through the same thing and we all encourage each other to push through those boundaries and achieve personal excellence – its a fun atmosphere and family to be a part of. CREW: Swim Escort: Adam Ellenstein; Land Crew: Adam Ellerstein (Team Captain), Jen Howard, Inaki de la Perra, Ryan Toner |
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#765 John Howerton, M37, Kailua-Kona, HI, USA Occupation: Athletic shoe salesperson Races: 4th time Ultraman. 2016, 2015, 2014 UM Hawaii, Peaman races, Cinco De Mayo Burrito Eating Champion 2014, 2014 Team Mango Monster. Mini Mango, Honu, Lavaman. Entering Ultraman because: Because I enjoy the feeling of arthritis pain. I have unfinished business in this race. I want to run through the finish holding my head and Hawaiian flag high. CREW: Swim Escort: Wendy Minor; Land Crew: Glen Parsons (Team Captain), Acela Parsons |
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#766 Joseph Jaffe, M53, New York, USA Occupation: Physician Races: 3rd time Ultraman, Official finisher Ultraman Florida February 2016. Hawaii 2016, UM Florida 2016, 24 hour bike race Borrego Springs, CA, 100 mile ultra marathon. 21 Ironman finishes including The Ironman Hawaii World Championship in Kona October 2015. I am also an accomplished ultra runner, finishing four 50 miles ultra marathons, first place male in one of them and first place overall in the CanLake 50 10/10/09. I have also ran a 100 mile ultra trail marathon. Ran a 100 mile Ultra trail Marathon January 2016, The Long Haul Ultra 100 in Land O’ Lakes, Florida. Also biked The La Vuelta Cycle Tour in Puerto Rico. It was an average of 125 miles a day for three days. It was considered a tour and not a race. However, riders were in one of three Pelotons riding at race pace. Day one was 155 miles. Day 2 was 81 miles, and Day 3 was 131 miles. We rode around the entire Island of Puerto Rico. Entering Ultraman because: My passion. Keeps me sane. Unfinished business after my 4:00 min dnf day 1 at UMWC 2016 CREW: Swim Escort: Andrew Gale; Land Crew: Tad Machrowicz (Team Captain), Matt Hortop, Ryan Machrowicz, Andrew Gale |
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#767 Miro Kregar, M55, Stahovica, SLOVENIA Occupation: Event Organizer/Coach Races: 11th time Ultraman. UMWC 2016, 1st Place 2013 Ultraman World Championship. 3 times second place overall, 2 times third place – PB 22:35, Finished 21 Ironmans – PB 8:52. Entering Ultraman because: I like to race triathlon, from sprint to ultra distance. CREW: Swim Escorts: ; Land Crew: Jennifer “Quickie” Watt (Team Captain), Phil Makin |
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#768 Roger Lacaci, M35, Ibiza, SPAIN Occupation: Tennis player Races: 2nd time Ultraman. 2017 Florida Ultraman. In last 18 month I do 2 ultraman distance, UCES in Spain, My full ultra distance are 3 run race ( 100 km – 101 km and 121 km), Titan desert 3 times ( mountainbike ) i go in one month to cape epic, and many bike race. Entering Ultraman because: I love ultraman distace and my dream is go to the Hawaii ultraman i why i do firth 2 ultraman distance to be ready for Hawaii:-) CREW: Swim Escort: Rubin Nunez; Land Crew: Benjamin Garces (Team Captain), Andreas Menagues, Rubin Nunez, Artesa Felix, Laura Corella, Alvaro Guerro |
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#769 Randy Latza, M42, Harrisonburg, VA, USA Occupation: Races: 2nd time Ultraman. 2015 UMFL. I have not done much in the last 18 months due to moving 300 miles. In 2015 I did UMFL and IMLP. Between now and this race, I will be doing the Great Chesapeake Bay Swim and at least one 140.6 distance race. UMFL 2015 completion by only training 3 days a week. Hawaii is a whole different race, so I will have to train a lot more for the race. Entering Ultraman because: I have found the people involved with Ultraman (athletes, volunteers, RDs, Board) are just a different breed and it’s an amazing experience to be around them. Physically,, this race is so much more difficult than UMFL and will be a much greater challenge. And circumnavigating the Big Island is just an amazing thing be able to do. Provided everyone gets invited, there is a big UMFL contingent competing this year, including some good friends, as well as one of my crew members (who I also crewed for) and I want to experience this race with all of them. CREW: Swim Escorts: Bree Wee; Land Crew: Tom Regal (Team Captain), Mary Latza, Wendy Regal |
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#770 Marcos Lopez Bonilla, M36, Madrid, SPAIN Occupation: Entrenador personal Races: 2nd time Ultraman, ULTRAMAN AUSTRALIA 2016, SPAIN CHAMPIONSHIP OF 100Kilometres, Ironman Lanzarote mayo 2015, IBERMAN SPAIN-PORTUGAL 2013, IRONMAN BARCELONA 2014. Entering Ultraman because: Because I love the ultra-distance, and UM Hawaii is my dream. I want to dedicate to my best friend who died in 2012. CREW: Swim Escort: Elizabeth Diaz Lopez-Cozarto; Land Crew: Elizabeth Diaz Lopez-Cozarto (Team Captain), Rodrigo Madrazo, Carlos Macias |
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#771 Bruno Maggio, M37, Las Condes, CHILE Occupation: Project Manager Races: 2nd time Ultraman. UMFL 2016. Ironman 70.3 Bueno Aires, March 2017, Ironman 70.3 Pucón Chile, January 2017, Ironman Full Cozumel 2016, November 2016 (Cut my foot on the marathon), Ultramarathon Torres del Paine, May 2015, 80Km (49 mi), Ironman Full Florianopolis, May 2014. Entering Ultraman because: I love long triathlons and endurance races because they have a good vibration around them. Athletes really want to help you finish, not just beat you. Doesn’t matter, who you are, coaches, people on the street, and organizers give you cheers, and that gives you a good feeling. I remember that in Ultraman Florida, every time I saw anyone, I was screaming “Let’s do this”. And people cheer back. I also remember talking to other athletes, sharing tips, sharing water and making friends that I still talk to. Also, it is such an odyssey just the months of training before, the equipment preparation, the nutrition, the scale of the race. It is like going to the moon. So, after every long competition, I feel really good about myself, about what I have accomplish (during the race), and also because of my family, coaches, and team mates that support me. I would be honored if you select me to participate, I would be the first Chilean. I would represent very good my country. CREW: Swim Escort: ; Land Crew: Rayen Irribarra (Team Captain), John Hayes, Linda Hayes |
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#772 Kari Martens, M60, , SWEDEN Occupation: Coach Races: 2nd time Ultraman, Quintuple Ultra-triathlon (19-900-211km) Leon Mexico 2016/10/15, Two triple Ultratri. in Lensahn Germany, Two Deca Ironman (38-1800-422km), BIKE ACROSS SWEDEN 2110KM, 24 HOUR SWIM (51KM). I have a total of 100 Ironman-distance races under my belt. Entering Ultraman because: To inspire others to find their path and purpose in life, and because I can. It’s never too late for a change in your life and it’s never too late to start training, but it is always too early to quit. Ultraman Hawaii has all the ingredients you and I want and need to feel and experience in a healthy endurance lifestyle. Ohana! Mahalo and Aloha! CREW: Swim Escort: Denise Boatwright; Land Crew: Petra Martens (Team Captain), Billy Rickards |
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#773 Peter Mueller, M55, Kloten, SWITZERLAND Occupation: Flight Attendant Races: 10th time Ultraman. 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2001, 2000 Ultraman World Championships finisher (2012–26:21:48); 9. April 2017 Zürich Marathon 3:17.46,7,30. July 2017 Ironman Zürich, * Badwater Ultra Marathon (135 Miles) 2002, 2004,* Marathon Swim 26.4 km from Rapperswil to Zürich /, August 2011 (07:55.42), 2012 Zurich marathon; 2011 Las Vegas marathon; 2011 24th International Self-Transcendence Marathon Swim (26.4km), Zurich, Switzerland. Entering Ultraman because: Welcome to the Addiction! 🙂 … to meet my friends in one of the most amazing places on earth. CREW: Swim Escort: Tina Fowler; Land Crew: Kerri Tobin (Team Captain), Lisa Collins |
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#774 Tony O’Keeffe, M56, CANADA Occupation: Coach Races: 9th time Ultraman World Championships. 2016, 2015, 2014 Ultraman WC, Kona, 3rd Overall 2014 Ironman North American Championship, Mont Tremblant, 1st Place Age Group. 2012 Ultraman World Championships finish time 25:56:29 4th overall, 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 22:31:54. UMWC 2002, 03, 04, 08, 12, Solo RAAM 2010, 4th place overall. Entering Ultraman because: Anything worth doing, is worth over-doing. CREW: Swim Escort: Dan Bodden & Gil Ayoub; Land Crew: Jackie Cowley (Team Captain), Gil Ayoub, Dan Bodden |
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#775 Marc Puig Amiel, M29, Barcelona, SPAIN Occupation: Farmacèutico Races: 2nd time Ultraman. Ultraman Florida 2017, Ultra-tri Motril 2016, Ultraman Florida 2017 (17,18,19 Febreruy),Ironmna Vichy (31 agust 2016), Full triathlon Vitoria (ironman distance 7july 2016), Ultra-tri Motril (Ultraman distance 24,25,26 may 2016), Ironman vichy 2016, Full vitoria 2016, Ultra-tri 2016, Swiss Gigathlon 2015, Ironman Zurich 2015, Ironman south africa 2015, Marathon Barcelona 2:39′ in 2016.,Catalunya cross champion 2016 Open category. Entering Ultraman because: Because is the distance that always i feel better, I love this distance and because i wants to be Ultraman World Champion. Never stop doing Ultraman’s please 🙂 CREW: Swim Escort: Carlota Puig Amiel; Land Crew: Ester Bosch (Team Captain), Ivan Bosch, Carlota Puig Amiel, Copy Morillo, Francesca Murgadela |
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#776 Manmadh Rebba, M38, Hyderabad, INDIA Occupation: Architect / Project Manager Races: 2nd time Ultraman, 2017 UMFL, Ultraman Florida / Date: 2/17/2017 – 2/19/2017 / Distance: 321.6 miles / Time: 31:43:19,SWIM: 6.2 mi Time: 5:16:58 / BIKE: 263 mi Time: 16:23:45 / RUN: 52.4mi Time: 10:02:36, Ironman 70.3 Austin / Date: 11/08/2015 ,Escape from Alcatraz / Date: 6/12/2016 ,Ironman 70.3 Vineman / Date: 7/10/2016 ,Ironman Maryland / Date: 10/01/2016,Ironman 70.3 Miami / Date: 10/23/2016 ,,All these races have been a learning curve in my life to bring closer to eliminate the imperfections I have been carrying in life. Every race taught me a new way of handling the adversities, emotional challenges, perseverance, silence, patience and more love for the sport. IM 70.3 Austin, learnt a lot about my body and nutrition; Escape from Alcatraz, had to swim without swim goggles 80% of the course in the choppy cold water, IM70.3 Vineman for ‘save the children’ federation, IM Maryland a graduation to next level and IM70.3 Miami A memorable race and a way to pay my respect to the elements and forces that made everything possible and also to commemorate where I started triathlons. ,Unable to describe more due to limitations in space.,”We have more capabilities than what we think we have.” Just being able to complete a triathlon at the age of 34 with less than 3 months of training and learning to swim is the most remarkable achievement. Learnt a deeper truth in life – “Its always one breathe at a time”.,,I came from a non athletic – Couch n TV background from India. Now being the fastest (India national record) double marathoner in an Ultraman race is what I feel worth mentioning. Self coached.,,Second male from India to complete the Ultraman race, with a wild card entry (signed up 3 months before the race) and with only 3 months of ultraman distance focus training. ,,Wished, I had more time to train, no burglary before the race day and no flu/cold during taper week before the Ultraman Florida race. There will be challenges in life – embracing them and moving forward is the key. “Energy is energy…. Either it is positive or negative, learn to use the negative to pedal forward stronger.” Entering Ultraman because: It’s a life experience, I don’t think I can put that in words but I will try. Ultra Distance sports gives you the path to connect to yourself, our past human generations, their sacrifices for us, the responsibility that we have towards mother nature and future generations, Respect, Love, Family, Help, Silence, Patience and Compassion. This is a unique opportunity to re-live the lifestyle that is being lost in this world – a greater sense of responsibility to educate the unknown to the maximum. ,,Ultraman World Championship – It’s the distance combined with challenging elements of nature – Something I have always thought as an impossible and insane feat. But, deep inside, I know I am the one who can do this and re-design impossibility.,,Want to bring awareness through my accomplishments about what is possible when the statistics don’t let you think beyond. I have come so far and this is one more step forward to bring some awareness on the possibilities and hope to the less fortunate. Yes, For me its always ‘Mind over Matter’. But how? There are many ways you can handle the mind to over come the adversities. Saw many giving up on their life due to lack of skills in handling the stress and destructive thoughts on mind. Depression is overrated, its just another medical condition which is totally under our control – lack of knowledge leads to giving away power to others to control your mind in their way. I have seen many giving up on their life and impacting everyone around them (my cousin, uncle, some friends and many more who gave up). I am exploring ways to help people who are battling with this condition through my accomplishments. I want to do the race this year, especially when I am in my peak physical fitness and also in the phase of life that would allow me to do justice to my efforts for UltraMan World Championships, a hope that I would like to carry to the future generations, children and people fighting with challenges in India and globally. #purposeoflife CREW: Swim Escort: Stevie Van Emmenis; Land Crew: Richard Medalen (Team Captain), Siddharth Routray, Staci Studer |
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#777 Tim Robert, M52, Honolulu, HI, USA Occupation: Federal Service Races: 2nd time Ultraman. 2012 UMWC. Virginia Triple Anvil 2016 46:57, Yellowstone-Teton 100, Brazil 160, Daytona 100, Oregon Double Anvil, RAAM 4-Man team. Entering Ultraman because: I do ultra-distance sports for the extremee mental and physical challenge, and because of the great people I meet. I want to to the Ultraman World Championships because of the Ohana and the incredible race course. CREW: Swim Escort: Mandy Minor; Land Crew: Kat Becker (Team Captain), Melissa Di Re |
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#778 Will Rogers, M58, Surrey, British Columbia, CANADA Occupation: Paramedic Races: 4th time Ultraman. UM Canada 2014, UMH 2015 UMOZ 2017. 26 time ironman distance finisher. Unofficial world record, Galliano to Tasswassen 22k ocean swim X4. Entering Ultraman because: Love the event and people involved it ultra community. Hawaii is good timing for another race. CREW: Swim Escorts: Sherri Carney; Land Crew: Freya Enemark (Team Captain), Jessie Enemark |
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#779 Arnaud Selukov, M48, Étival, Franche-Comte, FRANCE Occupation: Director Races: 2nd time Ultraman. Ultraman Australia 2016 – Winner. Ironman WA 2015 9:23,Challenge Wanaka 2016 9:54,Ironman NZ 2016 9:38,Challenge Roth 2016 8:56,Ironman Vichy 2016 9:02,Kona 2016 10:14,Challenge Wanaka 2017 9:46, 28 times Iron distance finisher Entering Ultraman because: To challenge myself. CREW: Swim Escorts: Tim Wiley; Land Crew: Winnifred Selukov (Team Captain), Gail Laux |
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#780 Simon Shurey, M49, Nantucket, Massachusetts, USA Occupation: Wine Sales Races: 2nd time Ultraman. Ultraman Florida 2016 – Winner. Ironman Florida November 2015,Ultraman Florida Feb 2016,Ironman Louisville Oct 2016,Ironman Arizona Nov 2016, Entering Ultraman because: When i did my first ironman it seems so unachievable, once I completed it I was smitten. I felt like I found my tribe. ,When I volunteered as a crew member at Ultraman Florida 2015 I had never experienced such a supporting and amazing environment. I was in awe of all these amazing athletes. To seem them complete there goal was just remarkable and to be involved in the race as a crew member was a moving experience. I had to do the race and I was fortunate to be allowed to race. It challenged me to the core and I was intimidated, I surrounded myself with the right people and I had a great race. It was a test and I felt I had passed it I will be forever grateful and indebted to my crew who guided me over those three days. It became clearly obvious what the next challenge was. I feel very fortunate to be part of the Ultraman Family because I know i earned it, it wasn’t given to me. This is why I come to you for the next challenge, the UMWC. CREW: Swim Escorts: Kyle Jubina; Land Crew: Tim Cronk (Team Captain), Pedro Paixao |
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#781 Fiona Siemelink, F51, Houston, Texas, USA Occupation: Triathlon Coach Races: 3rd time Ultraman. UM Florida 2015,UM Florida 2017. Brazos Bend 50 Miler 12/10/16,IM Cozumel 140.6 Miles 11/27/16,IM Texas 140.6 5/14/16,IM South Africa 140.6 4/10/16,IM Cozumel 140.6 11/29/15,IM Wisconsin 140.6 9/28/15, I have completed 24 IM distances, to include qualifying for Kona IM Champs; I have raced the World 70.3’s x2; I have completed 10 x Comrades Marathon’s and 4 x 100 mile road races. I have always been involved in distances events, circa 12th grade! Entering Ultraman because: I love to participate in UDS’s because of the fun, freedom and challenge these events provide! Added to this, seems the further the distances, the more amazing the people are who are involved, whether fellow athletes or the RD crew! I love the positivity, fun, challenge and mutual respect we have for one another, and the reality that everyone is prepared to help one another, always / UM Worlds would be the greatest challenge of my life, and the toughest event I’ve undertaken: I would be so excited and humbled to be a part of this phenomenal race – it’s been an event so far out of reach, I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to apply, never, so just in applying, I feel amazingly excited and joyous! Just so grateful for this journey xx. I am so grateful for this journey, and for my experiences thus far, with Ultraman. I find the RD teams, the owners, the crews and my fellow athletes to be some of the most inspiring, motivational, happy, down to earth and joyous people I know: it is an honor and privilege to be a part of the Ultraman Ohana, just so special xx CREW: Swim Escorts: Karen Crawford; Land Crew: Dee Fraser (Team Captain), Steve Fraser |
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#782 Hans Siemelink, M56, Houston, Texas, USA Occupation: Engineer Races: 2nd time Ultraman. UMFL2015 finisher, crew in UMFL2014 and UMFL2017, UMFL2015; Ironman South Africa 10 April 2016, Ironman Texas 14 May 2016, Ironman Cozumel 27 November 2016, Alaskaman Xtri (IM distance) 15 July 2017, Over 150 marathons, over 50 Ultra marathons, 30 years of endurance sports, 25 Ironman events to date. Entering Ultraman because: I enjoy testing myself under extreme conditions. In this event both my wife Fiona and I hope to participate so completing this will be extra special. If I didn’t train every day I would probably eat chocolate chip cookies, drink beer, and play guitar all day. CREW: Swim Escorts: Mercedes DeCarli, Dan Gampon; Land Crew: Dene Sturm (Team Captain), Mike DeCarli |
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#783 Steffi Steinberg, F36, Bad Honnef , GERMANY Occupation: Triathlon Coach Races: 2nd time Ultraman World Championship. 2017 UMFL. Tortour NON Stop Cycling race Switzerland 2015, 13x Ironman finisher, 3-time Ironman World Championship finisher, Race Across America Record Holder 2017 in a 4-woman Team Entering Ultraman because: UM Hawaii is a great challenge and adventure. If you finish one UM you have to do another one. CREW: Swim Escort: Jamie Pardau; Land Crew: Gary Steinberg (Team Captain), Christiane Bauer, Ruth Benner |
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#784 Meredith Terranova, F43, Austin, TX, USA Occupation: Sports Nutritionist Races: 3rd time Ultraman. 2016 UMWC, 2014 Ultraman Florida time 27:43:37 16th overall. IM Cabo. Crewing and pacing at Hardrock 100. Entering Ultraman because: At this stage in doing ultras my heart and passion only is with UMWC. I love the ohana and the beauty of the island. There is nothing I enjoy more than Thanksgiving weekend at UM. CREW: Swim Escort: James Resor & Paul Terranova; Land Crew: Paul Terranova (Team Captain), Amelia Ellenstein |
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#785 Rick Van Tuyl, M49, Orange, CA, USA Occupation: Firefighter Races: 2nd time Ultraman. Ultraman Canada 2014. Anvil Ultra 2017. Entering Ultraman because: For the camaraderie. To push my body, mind, and spirit to the limit. Plus, I like to train. CREW: Swim Escort: Deb West & Becky Bender; Land Crew: Erik Van Tuyl (Team Captain), Marty Hammond, Laura Gwin |
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#786 Edwin Vargas, M49, Bogota, COLOMBIA Occupation: CO-FOUNDER & VP COLOMBIA TRI EVENTS Races: 2nd time Ultraman. UMFL 2015. World Champion Highest Triathlon Lago Titicaca,Kona Qualifier 2013,3 times World Championship IM 70.3,3 times finisher Ragnar Race,170 times Colombia Selection. Entering Ultraman because: I do it because it is coming back to the thru essence of what triathlon was once at world level: fraternity, friendships, help, loyalty and partnership between competitors of ultra distances. CREW: Swim Escort: Ezequiel Cufre; Land Crew: Mario Patino (Team Captain), Ezequiel Cufre, Angeline |
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#787 Gary Wang, M50, Corte Madera, CA, USA Occupation: Engineer Races: 17th time Ultraman. 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 Ultraman World Championships finisher (27:58:09);2012 Ultraman World Championships finisher (26:35:30); 2001 – 2013 Ultraman World Championships finisher; 14 times Western States 100 Finisher. Entering Ultraman because: Aloha! CREW: Swim Escort: Kris Ishii, Sylvester; Land Crew: Jackie Hofmann (Team Captain), Ardis Bow |
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#788 Travis “Trout” Wayth, M47, Victoria, AUSTRALIA Occupation: Mowoligist. Races: 4th time Ultraman. 2016, 2015 Ultraman World Championships. UMOZ 2016, 2015. IM Melbourne 2015, IM Cairnes 2014 . IM NZ 2014. IM Australia 2014. I’m good at mowing lawns. Entering Ultraman because: Love the Big Island and its community. CREW: Swim Escort: Mel Cockshutt; Land Crew: Rosie Spicer (Team Captain), Mel Cockshutt, Todd Cockshutt |
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#789 Todd Weinmann, M54, Kailua-Kona, HI, USA Occupation: Home Inspector Races: 1st time Ultraman. IM CDA 2017. Iron Mango Monster, Alii Challenge Swim 2016, 2017, IMCDA 4 times, IM Canada, 6 full IM finishes. Entering Ultraman because: I have crewed at UMWC last 3 years and love the Ultraman ohana! CREW: Swim Escort: Glee Jewell; Land Crew: Suzy Degazon (Team Captain), Austin Weinmann, Chuck Wood |
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#790 Adrian Whittaker, M38, Lower Chittering, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA Occupation: Builder Races: 2nd time Ultraman. 2016 Australia ultraman 4th,Ironman Malaysia. Entering Ultraman because: Love the training. CREW: Swim Escort: Brandon Braam; Land Crew: Angela Whittaker (Team Captain), Jane Jennings |
