2009 Entrant Bios
2009 ULTRAMAN ENTRANTS
as of 11/25/09
Name: Riccardo Alessi
Age on Race Day: 40 M
From: Valguarnera, Sicily, ITALY Occupation: Architect
Recent Races: Third time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 32:36:44. 2007 Ultraman World Championships; 2006 Ultraman World Championships relay Team Squarous. 2007 Gigathlon Switzerland,2006 RXT Ironterra-relay of 2 (11:10:36)
Entering UM because: I just want my turtle award back.
Support Crew: Paddler: Ken Pool & Nancy Collins Land Crew: Phil Makin, Emanuela Barbano
Name: Daryl Allen
Age on Race Day: 59 M
From: Bellevue Hill, New South Wales, AUSTRALIA Occupation: Retired
Recent Races: Second time Ultraman. 2006 Ultraman World Championships finish time 32:32:38. 2007 Ironman Australia, 2008 Cycled 3000km across Australia in 20 days, several half marathons.
Entering UM because: Just to see it wasn’t luck last time.
Support Crew: Paddler: Sherri Carney Land Crew: John Forsyth, John O’Connor, Robbie Patterson, Susy Plummer
Name: Ellis Andrews
Age on Race Day: 65 M
From: Penticton, BC, CANADA Occupation: Retired
Recent Races: Third time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman Canada Relay Team (swim/run) 2005 Ultraman Canada finish time 33:44:24. Ironman Canada, 2008 BC Interior Runner of the year, 2008 BC Age Group Runner of the Year, 7 marathons in past 2 years including Boston Marathon.
Entering UM because: I have been involved in Ultraman UMC & UMH every year since 2005 either as an athlete,crew member or UMC swim captain and believe Ultraman is the best event in the world for Ohana, Aloha,Kokua. For me it goes way beyond competing but has a deeper meaning of family,compassion for others,wanting everyone to finish and to be safe and was deeply touched when I received the Kokua award at UMC 2008. Ultraman IS Ohana meaning family and Aloha in Hawaiian language meaning affection,love,peace,compassion,mercy and Kokua meaning support,encouragement,empowerment. Susan my wife & I now have friends (family) all over the world thanks to Ultraman and a number of them are inspirations to us for their spirit and what they have overcome to get to this point in their lives to compete in this challenging event. Ultraman is a life journey and our love goes out to all those athletes that are competing this year and to those who have competed in the past and to the wonderful crews who look after us. Can’t wait to see you all in Kona.
Support Crew: Paddler: Clark Willcox. Land Support: Susan Kain Andrews, Sandra Kain Larsen.
Name: Shanna Armstrong
Age on Race Day: 35 F
From: Lubbock, TX, USA Occupation: Massage Therapist/Student
Recent Races: Seventh time Ultraman. 2009 Ultraman Canada Finish time 29:08:01. Five time Ultraman World Championships Women’s Champion. 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 26:25:03. 2008 Badwater Ultramarathon, 2008 Furnace Creek 508, 2006 RAAM Women’s champion, 2009 Swiss Gigathlon.
Entering UM because: Love the People–Can’t wait!
Support Crew: Paddler: Sarah Egan Land Support: Donna Kitrell, Johnny Phillips
Name: Toni Barstis
Age on Race Day: 43 F
From: Niles, MI, USA Occupation: College professor
Recent Races: Fourth time Ultraman. 2007 Ultraman Canada Women’s Champion–finish time 29:34:55. 2007 Ultraman World Championships participant; 2006 Ultraman Canada,
Entering UM because: As an asthmatic and cancer survivor, I never thought I would be able to participate let alone finish an Ultraman. I’ve been fortunate enough to do both, finishing as the women’s champion of Ultraman Canada 2007. Ultraman World Championships will be a great challenge for me. I’ve spent the last two years engrossed in work and am taking a sabbatical to rejuvenate and relocate my focus and balance.
Support Crew: Paddler: Jamie Pardeau Land Crew: Dave Barstis (husband), John Barstis (brother-in-law), Eli Barstis and Aviyah Barstis (kids)
Name: Laurie Beers
Age on Race Day: 55 F
From: Kailua-Kona, HI, USA Occupation: Beach Lifeguard
Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2009 Ironman World Championships finish time 13:43:39. 7 Ironmans, 7 Alii Challenge Swims, 20+ years of marathon running, 23+ years of triathlon training and racing, possibly the oldest woman beach lifeguard in the state of Hawaii. Crewed for Rob Van Geen in 2007.
Entering UM because: It is 3 days of pure treat doing what I love on this incredible island.
Support Crew: Paddler: Linda Greentree Land Crew: Linda Greentree, Camille Beers
Name: Paulo Calil
Age on Race Day: 37 M
From: Americana, Sao Paulo, BRAZIL Occupation: Physician
Recent Races: Fourth time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 32:33:34. 2007, 2008 Ultraman Canada
Entering UM because: ULTRAMAN IS MUCH MORE THAN A PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CHALLENGE, IT IS A TRANSFORMING LIFETIME EXPERIENCE…
I WANNA FEEL IT AGAIN!
Support Crew: Paddler: Kevin O’Connor Land Crew: Beth Cooper, Bridget Rankin
Name: Nino Cokan
Age on Race Day: 36 M
From: Celje, SLOVENIA Occupation: Event Organizer
Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2009 Ironman Australia, 2008 Ironman World Championships, 2008 Ironman UK, 2008 Ironman South Africa, ABSA Cape Epic 9 day MTB Stage race in Africa, 20 time Ironman finisher.
Entering UM because: Going the distance, touching the limit of my body. I love Triathlon!
Support Crew: Paddler: Shirley Revelle & Bernard Frank Land Crew: Dare Centrih, Roger & Karen Kloepping
Name: William Conner
Age on Race Day: 36 M
From: Tulsa, OK, USA Occupation: Military–United States Marine Corps
Recent Races: First Time Ultraman. 2008 Ironman World Championships 13:25:38, 2007 USMC Marathon, 2006 Ironman Arizona, 5 deployments to Iraq (3 in a row; 5 out of 6 years)
Entering UM because: To Honor, To Remind, To Challenge. Trying to raise money for the Semper Fi Fund. Visit www.active.com/donate/semperfifund09/UltramanTriathlon to donate.
Support Crew: Paddler: Terry Neubert Land Support: Rex Vlcek, Bob Conner (brother)
Name: Juan Craveri
Age on Race Day: 41 M
From: Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA Occupation: Business Owner
Recent Races: Second time Ultraman. 2006 Ultraman World Championships finish time 27:50:16. 2007 Ironman Coeur D’Alene, 2007 Ironman Louisville, 2007 Ironman Wisconsin, 2008 Ironman New Zealand, 2008 Ironman China, 2008 Ironman Switzerland, 2008 Ironman Canada. 20 Ironman finishes in last 6 years
Entering UM because: More distance, Less people, Ultra-distance sports are a real challenge and I like to challenge myself.
Support Crew: Paddler: Gina Torres Land Support: Chad & Elise Foster
Name: Suzanna Degazon
Age on Race Day: 45 F
From: Glendora, CA USA (representing Puerto Rico) Occupation: PADI IDC Scuba Instructor
Recent Races: Twelfth time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 31:23:52.
Entering UM because: I really lovet this race, for what it stands for. It is unique in that it has not lost its original challenging charm. The Ultraman is much more than a race. Ultraman will be an experience like no Ironman will ever give you. It will humble you and make you stronger, and it will be mentally challenging as well as physically demanding. Visit www.suzydegazon.com to learn more.
Support Crew: Paddler: Rafael Ramirez Land Support: Al Wiscovitch, Chuck Mather
Name: Jochen Dembeck
Age on Race Day: 42 M
From: Cologne, GERMANY Occupation: Logistician
Recent Races: Second time Ultraman. 1999 Ultraman World Championships finish time 24:59:09.
Entering UM because: I love the complete Big Island–during this race I have the chance to see a lot of it.
Support Crew: Paddler: Lori Montgomery Land Crew: Judith Hartl (wife), Dick Fowler, Angelique Stevens
Name: Stephen Dewald
Age on Race Day: 41 M
From: Mililani, HI, USA Occupation: Landscape Contractor
Recent Races: Second time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 30:16:05. 2007-2009 HURT 100, 2007-2009 Miwok 100k.
Entering UM because: I would like to run the short course this year. Would love to come back as this was a great event for me. The ohana spirit definitely defines this race.
Support Crew: Paddler: Wendy Minor Land Crew: Gil & Cheryl Loomis, Jakob Dewald
Name: Mark Ford
Age on Race Day: 47 M
From: Carlsbad, CA, USA Occupation: Physical Education Teacher
Recent Races: Second time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 26:43:44. 2008 Miwok 100K, 2008 Tahoe Rim 100 mile run, 2008 Ironman World Championships.
Entering UM because: Ultra is where you discover things physically, mentally, emotionally–that you can’t discover in other pursuits. I finished Ultraman ’08. I’d love to come back with knowledge developed from that experience. This is a totally different triathlon experience–now that I know the drill, I feel more able to contribute to the ohana feel.
Support Crew: Paddler: Monique Peacock Land Support: Tish Taylor, Michael Jacobs, Greg Hewitt
Name: Cory Foulk
Age on Race Day: 50 M
From: Kailua-Kona, HI, USA Occupation: Architect/Scientist
Recent Races: Seventeenth time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 32:26:09. 2009 Ironman World Championships finish time 16:34:35–on a Schwinn fixed gear bike, 2008, 2007 Ironman World Championships, 2007 Ironman Revisited, 2007 Ironman Nice.
Entering UM because: Grace: to experience the evolution of an elder triathlete in the first person, to act as a statesman of the sport, and to stray from the tendency to become a bleeding deacon working hard for a better past. God help us all, this is the land of wingnuts defined.
Support Crew: Paddler: Land Crew: Lana Williams, Rick and Karen Rubio
Name: Ann Heaslett
Age on Race Day: 45 F
From: Madison, WI, USA Occupation: Physician
Recent Races: Second time Ultraman. 2007 Ultraman World Championships finish time 27:18:32. 2008 Ironman World Championships; 2007, 2008 Ironman Wisconsin, 2008, 2009 Mississippi 50 mile run, 2006-2008 Ice Age 50 Mile.
Entering UM because: I enjoy long distance sports because of the camraderie that develops between athletes participating, and in Ultraman, also because of the wonderful crew that you meet as you move along the course. What great people! I will also look forward to seeing Jane, Sheryl and her husband, and Virginia and Don Isbell and Juliet again. You all treated us wonderfully when I participated in 2007.
Support Crew: Paddler: Virginia Isbell, Tim Yanacheck Land Crew: Tim Yanacheck (husband), Julie Yanacheck, Andrea Yanacheck, Jason Dorgan
Name: Markus Joswig
Age on Race Day: 28 M
From: Baerweiler, NRW, GERMANY Occupation: Civil Engineer
Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2009 Ironman Germany, 2009 24 hour swim, 2008 St. Croix 70.3, 2008 Austria 70.3
Entering UM because: I like the challenge to explore my own physical and mental limits, to reach them and to go further. I like the ultra-distance community, which left a deep impression in my mind, when I was crewing for Shanna Armstrong in the alps
Support Crew: Paddler: Richard Everett Land Support: Nancy Westrom, Michael Zobel, Stephan Schmitt
Name: Peter Kotland
Age on Race Day: 37 M
From: Moore, SC, USA Occupation: Pro Triathlete
Recent Races: Third time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 23:38:48. Holds Ultraman World Championships run course record (5:33:57). Six Ironman races.
Entering UM because: I am from Czech and we do not celebrate Thanksgiving. I have nothing better to do on this weekend. I like the race and I have several athletes who will be racing with me. I am crazy–why else would I do this race?
Support Crew: Paddler: Cheryl Villegas Land Support: Dean Sinatra, Ryan Short
Name: Miro Kregar
Age on Race Day: 47 M
From: Stahovica, SLOVENIA Occupation: Electrificant
Recent Races: Fourth time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 22:35:24. 2001, 2007 Ultraman World Championships.
Entering UM because: I love the heat on the lava fields.
Support Crew: Paddler: Mark Crawford Land Crew: Bogdan Hribar, Ales Gercar
Name: Kathy Laska
Age on Race Day: 36 F
From: Millis, MA, USA Occupation: Biotechnology Sales
Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2007-2009 Ironman Lake Placid. 2007 Ironman World Championships. 4 other half-Ironmans, 5 marathons including 2009 Boston (3:32). Crewed for her father, Dave Wilson at 2001 Ultraman World Championships.
Entering UM because: I love a challenge! The community of participants and volunteers possess an energry that can be duplicated no where else! As a kid, teenager and young adult, I was always in the spectator section cheering my dad on. I crewed for him at Ultraman in 2001. I literally learned how to swim and ride a bike for these endurance races. Prior to my conviction of becoming an Ironman, I would have drowned in 2 feet of water–now I am comfortable swimming miles and miles.
Name: Mike Le Roux
Age on Race Day: 33 M
From: North Cairns, Queensland, AUSTRALIA Occupation: Project Manager
Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2008 Marathon Des Sables, 2008 North Face 100K, 2007, 2008 Kokoda Track Trail Run (100K), 2006 Ironman World Championships (9:29).Entering UM because: For me it is about the journey of endurance and the associated lifestyle and mindset it takes to complete ultra-distance events. It is about challenging my mind and physical ability. I have chosen this event because of it extreme nature and pinnacle position in ultra-endurance racing.
Support Crew: Paddler: Jan War Land Support: Kirsten Le Roux, Jan War
Name: Jason Lester
Age on Race Day: 35 M
From: Kailua-Kona, HI, USA Occupation: Artist
Recent Races: Fourth time Ultraman. 2009 Ultraman Canada finish time 30:48:25. 2009 Ironman World Championships finish time 12:25:04, 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 32:01:43. 2008 Ultraman Canada Relay (swim/run); Hilo UltraMarathon, Ironman World Championships, Ironman Arizona, Ironman Western Australia. 2009 ESPY winner for Best Male Athlete with a Disability.
Entering UM because: To inspire others to Never Stop! Proud to be a part of the Ultraman Family.
Support Crew: Paddler: Odie Sumi Land Support: Derek & Trish Doyle
Name: Mario Maddalozzo
Age on Race Day: 33 M
From: Curitiba, Parana, BRAZIL Occupation: Consultant
Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2007, 2008 Ironman Brazil, 2007 Age Group Champion of the Jasmine Ocean Swim National Championship. 5 marathons in past 4 years. 2005-2007 corrida da Serra da Graciosa half-marathon (totally uphill)
Entering UM because: I first started at endurance sports to set a good example to the younger generations of my family. I wanted them to grow free from self-doubt, to know that most limits are self-imposed and that chasing their dreams should never be a dream. I feel the mystique around this race and its athletes should be ever revered.
Support Crew: Paddler: Regan Steelman & Almir Brandalize Land Crew: Jesse Ariola Jr., Almir Brandalize, Elisabeth Schultz Maddalozzo, Tiara Corradi, Luciana Brandalize, Thais Sampai da Silva
Name: Sean McFadden
Age on Race Day: 29 M
From: Blackrock, Dublin, IRELAND Occupation: Entrepreneur
Recent Races: Second time Ultraman. 2006 Ultraman World Championships finish time 34:34:56. 2008 Ironman South Africa, Goofy Challenge, Coastal Challenge.
Entering UM because: I love the challenge and seeing if my body can manage what my brain wants. Plus the 2006 Ultraman was one of the best events I’ve ever done. I’ve published a Children’s novel, set up my own business and held 2 Irish waterski records.
Support Crew: Paddler: Dona Martinson & Dyan Anders Land Support: Rob Van Geen, Petra Medgyesi
Name: Sheena Miller
Age on Race Day: 26 F
From: Penticton, BC, CANADA Occupation: Parks Canada Fire Warden/High School Teacher
Recent Races: Second time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman Canada Women’s Champion (finish time 30:49:20). 2009 Ironman Canada, numerous half-Ironmans, eco-challenges, adventure races, varous ski races ranging from 10km – 300km. Top Firefighter fitness awards, outdoor adventurer–will be rowing from Vancouver to Alaska in 2011.
Entering UM because: There is no other event like Ultraman. I participate in Ultra Endurance events to push myself, keep my body fit and be surrounded by incredibly motivated people pushing the limits. I want to be a part of Ultraman Hawaii because it’s inspiring to race in Hawaii, home of triathlon and experience the culture. I can’t wait to come to race in Hawii. This is a huge dream and goal of mine.
Support Crew: Paddler: Scott Von Nordheim Land Crew: Greg Miller, Steve & Maria Brown
Name: Peter Mueller
Age on Race Day: 47 M
From: Kloten, SWITZERLAND Occupation: Flight Attendant
Recent Races: Fifth time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 26:05:05. 2005 Furnace Creek 508, 2008 Alpenbrevet Cycling Adventure (172Km/5294 m elevation change), 1999 Marathon Des Sables, 5 times Ironman World Championships, 3 time Badwater Ultraman (3rd place in 2002).
Entering UM because: “Living without focus is only exisiting”. The combination of beautiful island, sealife, friendship and PowerBars!
Support Crew: Paddler: Leslie Crawford Land Support: Marcel Anner, Katharina Torreiter
Name: Rip Oldmeadow
Age on Race Day: 40 M
From: Kailua-Kona, HI USA Occupation: Full time triathlete in ’09/ Realtor
Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2009 Ironman World Championships finish time 9:57:25, 2009 Ironman Coeuer D’Alene, 2009 Brusselton 70.3, 2009 Hawaii Honu 70.3.
Entering UM because: in 2001 I was hit by a passing RV while training on my bike in Colorado. My sponsor and career ended 2 years later. I never got to finish what I started. Now, I’m 30 years old, I would like to complete the Dream I began in 1997. I have crewed at Ultraman the past 2years.
Support Crew: Paddler: Bo Pardeau Land Support: Darwin Holt, John Callos
Name: Giorgio Alessi
Age on Race Day: 44 M
From: Valguarenera, Sicily, ITALY Occupation: Physical Education Teacher
Recent Races:Seventh time Ultraman. 2009 Ultraman Canada finish time 30:05:04. Just finished Deca Iron (10 Ironmans in 10 days) in Monterrey, Mexico.
Entering UM because:
Support Crew: Paddler: Ken Boche Land Crew: Serena Alessi, David Ong
Name: Jamie Patrick
Age on Race Day: 39 M
From: Lafayette, CA, USA Occupation: Business Owner
Recent Races: Second time Ultraman. 2003 Ultraman World Championships finish time 29:41:57. 2005 Triple Ironman, Swam English Channel in 1996, has won3 Ironman Swims, Ultraman 2003 swim and Triple Ironman swim.
Entering UM because: I do ultra distance sports for the sense of accomplishment and health. I am married to the most beautiful woman in the world.
Support Crew: Paddler: Land Crew: Keith Metzger, Greg Larson, Matt Richardson, Jim Patrick
Name: Roland Patzina
Age on Race Day: 43 M
From: Kempten, Bavaria, GERMANY Occupation: Truckdriver
Recent Races: Five time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 30:17:39. 2004, 2006-2007 Ultraman World Championships; 7 triple Ironman, 5 double Ironman, Lanzarote Ultratriathlon, Will be participating in DecaTriathlon in Great Britian, June 2010.
Entering UM because: Ultraman and the people of Hawaii are my family.
Support Crew: Paddler: Jan Kuivenhoven Land Support: Paul Aguirre, Tristan Humble
Name: Alexandre Ribeiro
Age on Race Day: 44M
From: Rio De Janeiro, BRAZIL Occupation: CoachRecent
Races: Fifth time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman World Championships Men’s Champion (finish time 21:49:38). 2003, 2005, 2007 Ultraman World Championships.Entering UM because: Ultraman is my main athletic goal.
Support Crew: Paddler: Mark Wormley Land Support: Jose Carlos Poinciano, Kailani, Kaipo & Maile Ribeiro
Name: Richard Roll
Age on Race Day: 43 M
From: Calabasas, CA, USA Occupation: Attorney
Recent Races: Second time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 26:33:42. 2007-2009 Mulholland Challenge cycling event (109 mile ww 13,000 ft of climbing). 2009 Wildflower and Bulldog 50k run.
Entering UM because: I love the lifestyle, the people and the platform to inspire others.
Support Crew: Paddler: Mike Field Land Support: Julie Piatt, Tyler & Trapper Piatt, Alan Blackburn
![Bialla_VitoNBen_07[1]](https://ultramanlive.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Bialla_VitoNBen_071-150x150.jpg "Bialla_VitoNBen_07[1]")
