2010 Entrant Bios

2010 Ultraman World Championships
Athlete Bios

	Shanna Armstrong, F36, Lubbock, TX, USA Occupation: Massage Therapist Races: Eighth time Ultraman. 2009 Ultraman World Championships Women’s Champion finish time 25:48:46. 6 times Ultraman World Championships women’s champion, 2010 Gigathlon, RAAM, Badwater, Furnace Creek 508. Entering Ultraman because: Love the people, Can’t Wait! CREW: Swim Escort: Sarah Egan Land Crew: Johnny Phillips, , Donna Kitrell, Eric Anderson www.shannaarmstrong.com
	Laurie Beers, F56, Kailua-Kona, HI, USA Occupation: Lifeguard Races: Second time Ultraman. 2009 Ultraman World Championships finish time 32:18:02. 2010 Ironman World Championships finish time 12:31:08. 8 Ironmans, 10 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. Entering Ultraman because: I really like the longer distance. I had such a great time last year, I want to do it again. CREW: Swim Escort: Linda Greentree Land Crew:Linda Greentree, Camille Beers
	Hillary Biscay, F32, Tuscon, AZ Occupation: Professional Triathlete Races: First time Ultraman. 11 Ironmans in last 18 months. 2010 Ironman World Championships finish time 10:47:51, 2008 Ironman Wisconsin Champion, 12 hours of Cool Ultramarathon, JFK 50 Mile Run. Entering Ultraman because: I love to run all day—to train and race all day too! I have finished 43 times iron-distance races and am looking to add a new challenge to the mix. CREW: Swim Escort: Amy Young Land Crew: Maik Twelsiek, Amy Young, David Easa www.hillarybiscay.com
	Suzanna Degazon, F46, Glendora, CA, USA Occupation: PADI Scuba Instructor Races: Thirteenth time Ultraman. 2009 Ultraman World Championships finish time 32:32:19. Boston Marathon, numerous double centuries, 50 mile trail runs. Entering Ultraman because: 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. CREW: Swim Escort:Rafael Ramirez Land Crew: Al Wiscovitch, Mary and Tony Degazon (parents) www.suzydegazon.com
	Megumi Kobayashi , F37, Sakata, JAPAN Occupation: Races: First time Ultraman. 2010 Ironman World Championships finish time 11:27:24, Ironman Malaysia, Ironman Korea, Ironman China Entering Ultraman because: I want to make new record for Japanese women! CREW: Swim Escort: Kevin O’Connor Land Crew: Madoka Ito, Eri Kombe, Maki Kombe
	Wendy Minor, F65, Kamuela, HI, USA Occupation: Business Owner Races: First time Ultraman. 2010 Ironman World Championships finish time 14:54:21. Maui Run t o the Sun, Molokai to Oahu 2 Man Outrigger canoe race, 27 times Ironman (14 in Kona). Entering Ultraman because: Ultraman has always intrigued me and after crewing for Steve Dewald the past 2 years, decided I wanted to take on this challenge and join the Ultraman Ohana. I’m not getting any younger, so at the age of 65 I’d like to check this event off my “bucket list”. CREW: Swim Escort: Stephen & Jakob Dewald Land Crew: Cheryl & Gil Loomis, Steve & Jakob Dewald
	Vanuza Maciel, F40, Florianaoplis, BRAZIL Occupation: Triathlon/Run Coach Races: Second time Ultraman. 2007 Ultraman World Championships finish time 29:44:53. 2010, 2008 Ironman Brazil, Marathon Curitiba, Marathon Rio de Janeiro. Entering Ultraman because: Ultraman is a big challenge for my mind and body. The Ultraman spirit, the crews and people are wonderful. CREW: Swim Escort: Jennifer McDaniel Land Crew: Rob Van Geen, Camila Campanhola
	Amber Monforte, F32, Reno, NV, USA Occupation: Registered Nurse Races: Second time Ultraman. 2009 Ultraman Canada Women’s Champion (finish time 25:36:49). 2010 Ironman World Championships finish time 10:50:00, 2010 XTerra World Championships finish time 3:18:52, 2010 Ironman 70.3 Hawaii, Entering Ultraman because: It’s my way of undwinding and relaxing after a stressful day at work and I enjoy the lifestyle. The more I’ve tested my body to find the limit, the more I think it’s all in the mind. I enjoy the people and experiences and feel very blessed to be able to compete. CREW: Swim Escort: Karen Crawford & Don Coskran Land Crew: Darian, Siri, Taylor Seavey ambermonforte.blogspot.com
	Kimberlee Rouse, F55, San Diego, CA, USA Occupation: Real Estate Agent/Flight Attendant Races: Second time Ultraman. 2009 Ultraman World Championships Finish Time 28:53:19, 2010 Ironman World Championships finish time 11:34:15. Entering Ultraman because: this is my Ohana and I love to challenge myself to go further than I ever have. I want to go faster this year because I think I can. CREW: Swim Escort: Christine Embernate Land Crew: Nancy Morris, Jennefer Nanista, Carolyn Peters
	Kathy Winkler, F44, Mill Valley, CA, USA Occupation: Teacher Races: Second time Ultraman. 2009 Ultraman World Championships finish time 26:04:54. Ironman World Championships, NF Endurance 50 mile run. Entering Ultraman because: I participated last year and it was a dream come true. The aloha, the team effort, the other participants were fantastic. I am hoping to bring my real family this time! CREW: Swim Escort: Franklin Marcus Land Crew: Peter McIntosh, Duane & Dorette Franks




	Milton Augusto de Sousa , M36, Rio de Janeiro, BRAZIL Occupation: Military and coach Races: Second time Ultraman. 2009 Ultraman Canada finish time 24:28:51. 2007 Ironman Brazil Entering Ultraman because: I love it! CREW: Swim Escort: George Abood Land Crew:
	Scott Beasley , M49, Cicero, IN USA Occupation: Environmental Engineer Races: Fourth time Ultraman. 2009 Ultraman Canada finish time 25:55:29. Ironman Canada, Ironman World Championships, Copper Canyon Mexico Ultramaraton. Entering Ultraman because: I enjoy the unique challenge the Ultraman offers CREW: Swim Escort: Harry Cornwell Land Crew:Karen & Zane Cooperider, Jack & June Beasley
	Simon Bourne, M47, Suffolk, ENGLAND Occupation: Police Officer Races: Second time Ultraman. 2009 Ultraman Canada Finish time 29:36:53. 2007 Ironman United Kingdom; Four times World Long Course Championships; World Trail Running Championships. Entering Ultraman because: I want to push my individual limits of physical endurance and to compete alongside like minded highly motivated people. CREW: Swim Escort: Manu Jewell Land Crew:Beth Cooper, Kellie Smirnoff
	John Callos , M48, Long Beach, CA, USA Occupation: Management Consultant Races: Second time Ultraman. 2009 Ultraman Canada finish time 35:18:10. 2010 Marathon des Sables, 2008 Ironman Arizona; Bulldog 50K trail race; Hawaii 70.3; Vineman 70.3, Tour de Poway 100k Bike; Solvang Metric Century. Entering Ultraman because: I have made incredible friends through Ultraman. They have become my family. CREW: Swim Escort: Bo Pardeau Land Crew: Darwin Holt, Ryan Weber, Zachary Weber, Connor Callos www.johncallos.com
	Nino Cokan , M37, Celje, SLOVENIA Occupation: Event Organizer Races: Second time Ultraman. 2009 Ultraman World Championships finish time 25:53:41. ABSA Cape Epic 2010, 2009 Ironman Australia, 2008 Ironman World Championships, 2008 Ironman UK, 2008 Ironman South Africa, ABSA Cape Epic 9 day MTB Stage race in Africa, 22 time Ironman finisher. Entering Ultraman because: The Best Race in the World. CREW: Swim Escort: Terry Neubert Land Crew: Kerri Tobin, Tina Flower www.ninocokan.com
	Jonas Colting, M37, Boras, SWEDENOccupation: Athlete, Health Consultant Races: Third time Ultraman. 2004, 2007 Ultraman World Championships Men’s Champion (finish time 21:59:44. Ironman Almere, Island to Island. Entering Ultraman because: It’s a great race! CREW: Swim Escort: Cheryl Villegas Land Crew: Fredric Colting, Robert Jojje Karlsson, Michael Berndtssonwww.colting.se
	Carlos Conceicao, M46, Santos, Sao Paulo, BRAZIL Occupation: System Analyst Races: Second time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman World Championships Finish Time 24:27:17; 2008, 2009 Adventura Race Brazil, 18 Ironman races. Entering Ultraman because: I love long distances. I love challenges. This year I intend to improve my time of Ultraman 2008. The Ultraman World Championships is the prettiest and wonderful triathlon that I already participated. CREW: Swim Escort: Kaeti Ecker Land Crew: Luis De La Torre, Gabriella Gatto
	Paul Dalton , M52, St. Edward, PEI, CANADA Occupation: School Bus Driver Races: Second time Ultraman. 2010 Ultraman Canada finish time 33:17:15. Ironman Canada, Boston Marathon, Mississagua Marathon. CREW: Swim Escort: Clark WIllcox Land Crew: Ellis Andrews, Susan Kain-Andrews, Paulette Dalton and Triton Hall
	Christopher Draper, M34, Hamilton, NJ, USA Occupation: Registered Dietician Races: First time Ultraman. 2008, 2009 Ironman Florida, 2009, 2010 Ironman Lake Placid, ING Miami Marathon, 2010 Endurance Corner Moab. Entering Ultraman because: Participation in ultradistance events for me is about personal enrichment and inspiration. I aspire to motivate others (my patients/clients) to push their boundaries/limits by practicing what I preach and not “settling”, continually challenging myself. CREW: Swim Escort: April Fitzsimmons Land Crew:Jay Plasman and Tyler Plasman
	Slater Fletcher , M33, Huntington Beach, CA USA Occupation: Network Engineer Races: First time Ultraman. 2010 Ironman World Championships finish time 9:27:10, 2010 Ironman Saint George, Several Adventure Races , Endurance MTB races, half ironman, ultramarathon, paddle races. Increase training volume with training camps up to 35-40hours over a camp window. Backpacking trips and multisport races. Entering Ultraman because: I love the process of getting to the starting line of an ultra distance race and the challenge of pulling it all together towards the finish line. In any event that long ?stuff? will go wrong and my reaction to it is what I love to discover. CREW: Swim Escort: Monique Fletcher Land Crew: Sean Clancy, Monique Fletcher and James Walsh
	Cory Foulk , M51, Kailua-Kona, HI USA Occupation: Architect/Scientist Races: Eighteenth time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 32:26:09. 2010 Ironman World Championships finish time 14:43:52–on a Schwinn fixed gear bike, 2008, 2007 Ironman World Championships, 2007 Ironman Revisited, 2007 Ironman Nice. Most Ultraman Finishes on Earth. Most Ultraman DNF’s on Earth Entering Ultraman because: Of the two iterations of “old timers” in triathlon—“elder statesman” or “bleeding deacon”, I strive for the first. My task is to introduce new people to our sport while participating with as much grace as I can muster. To hold the oral history of this sport and pass it on. Just killing time until Ulli returns. CREW: Swim Escort: Dona Martinson & Kris Anderson Land Crew: Lana Williams, Rick Rubio (run)
	Martin Franklin, M46, Rye, NY,USA Occupation: CEO Races: First time Ultraman. 2009 Leadville 100, 2007 Badwater Ultramarathon, 2009 Toughman 70.3. Entering Ultraman because: I enjoy pushing to the edge. It’s spiritual for me. This is the ultimate triathlon—not commercialized and can enjoy with my family. I was sorry to miss last year. As promised, would be proud to compete this year. CREW: Swim Escort: Robert Franklin Land Crew: Julie Franklin, Robert, Michael and Samuel Franklin
	Robert Hillery , M29, Carlsbad, CA, USA Occupation: U.S. Marine Races: Second time Ultraman. 2010 Ultraman Canada finish time28:29:44. 2009 Ironman World Championships, Ironman Arizona. Entering Ultraman because: Personal challenge, using it to raise awareness and donations for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. CREW: Swim Escort: Pam Miller and Robert Hillery Land Crew: Robert Hillery and David Huckobey
	Markus Joswig, M29, Hattingen, GERMANY Occupation: Project Engineer Races: Second time Ultraman. 2009 Ultraman World Championships finish time 32:52:51. 2009 Ironman Germany, 2009 24 hour swim, 2008 St. Croix 70.3, 2008 Austria 70.3 Entering Ultraman because: I like the challenge to explore my own physical and mental limits, to reach them and go further. I finished my first Ultraman last year. The event and the ultra-distance community are absolutely amazing. CREW: Swim Escort: Richard Everett Land Crew: Michael Zobel, Peter Sauerland, Nancy Westrom
	Mike Le Roux, M34, North Cairns, Queensland, AUSTRALIA Occupation: Project Manager Races: Third time Ultraman. 2010 Ultraman Canada finish time 22:36:54. Marathon des Sables, Comrades Marathon, TNF 100, Kokoda Challenge, Ironman World Championship. Entering Ultraman because: Endurance sport is beyond muscle and machine, where fitness on its own isn’t enough; in fact it’s mostly between the ears, which makes it really interesting. Plus, you need to be intrinsically motivated to do it. CREW: Swim Escort: Jan War Land Crew: Jan War, Kirsten Le Roux www.mikeleroux.com.au
	Jason Lester, M36, Kailua-Kona, HI, USA Occupation: CIO—Chief Inspiration Officer Races: Fifth time Ultraman. 2009 Ultraman World Championships finish time 29:50:36. 2010 Epic5 Entering Ultraman because: To inspire the world. CREW: Swim Escort: Justin Butler Land Crew: Matty Cunningham, Jano Soto www.jasonplester.com
	Mario Maddalozzo, M34, Curitiba, BRAZIL Occupation: Consultant Races: Second time Ultraman. 2009 Ultraman World Championships participant. 2010, 2008 Ironman Brazil. Entering Ultraman because: Ultradistance sports are the closest the modern man will come to what mythologist Joseph Campbell described as “a hero’s journey.” There are many steps: deciding to take on the challenge, self doubt, getting ready through many months of sacrifice, finding a new enjoyment on life, the death of your old self and the re-birth of a new and better version of yourself. In this inwards journey, the race is but a mere detail. But it is when you reap the final rewards of self discovery and transformation. The Ultraman is an experience that will change a man forever. CREW: Swim Escort: Julie & Regan Steelman Land Crew: Paulo R.B. Guinarnes, Elisabeth Maddalozzo
	Christian McEvoy , M28, Baltimore, MD, USA Occupation: Director of CT Challenge Free Cancer Survivorship Center Races: 2010 Ironman Louisville. Ran 3400 miles across United States from San Francisco to Rhode Island. Entering Ultraman because: I participate in Ultra-distance sports to challenge my own perceptions of limits, and I pair every major effort with a charity. The charity closest to my heart is cancer survivorship. I have raised over $350,000 for cancer survivors in the last 5 years. I am participating in UltraMan because I want to face the challenge of the sports that I love (aloha) with my best friends as my support crew (ohana), and I want to be inspired by the strength of my fellow UltraMan competitors (kokua). Through my participation, I am raising funds for cancer survivors through the CT Challenge. CREW: Swim Escort: Jeremy Howard, Scott Capozza Land Crew: Jeremy Howard, Scott Capozza, Dan Edelstein, Katy Capozza, Jane Barrett
	Roland Patzina, M44, Kempten, Bavaria, GERMANY Occupation: Truckdriver Races: Sixth time Ultraman. 2009 Ultraman World Championships finish time 31:32:11. 2009 Triple Ultra Triathlon Lensahn, 8 triple Ironman, 5 double Ironman, 2010 Lanzarote Solo-deca-triathlon challenge. Entering Ultraman because: Ultraman and the people of Hawaii are my family. CREW: Swim Escort: Jamie Pardeau Land Crew: Paul Aguirre, Kathy Lindsey, Armin Guenther
	Adam Peruta, M32, Syracuse, NY, USA Occupation: College Professor Races: Second time Ultraman. 2010 Ultraman Canada finish time 30:01:14. Ironman Arizona, Ironman Couer d’Alene, Mind the Ducks 12 Hour Run Entering Ultraman because: I do them to test both my physical endurance and mental strength. I also enjoy the company of the other athletes at these events—these people really “get it.” I have heard that only 13 or so folks have done both Ultraman Canada and Ultraman World Championships in the same year. CREW: Swim Escort: Monique Peacock Land Crew:Leslie Zednai, Stephanie Amick, Julie Vernon
	Martin Raymond, M48, Cumberland, ON, CANADA Occupation: Fitness & Sports Instructor Races: Seventh time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time, Ottawa Triathlon. Entering Ultraman because: The true physical and mental challenge. The struggles and the road travelled in preparation for the events. CREW: Swim Escort: Jan Kuivenhoven Land Crew: Sammie Stanbro, Staci Studer
	Alexandre Ribeiro , M45, Rio de Janeiro, BRAZIL Occupation: Coach Races: Sixth time Ultraman. 2009 Ultraman World Championships Men’s Champion Finish Time 22:10:12, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008 Ultraman World Championships. Entering Ultraman because: Ultraman is my main athletic goal CREW: Swim Escort: Mark Wormley Land Crew: Jose Carlos Poinciano, Kaillani & Kaipo Ribeiro www.alexandreribeiro.com.br
	Mike Rouse , M58, San Diego, CA, USA Occupation: VP of Running for K-Swiss Races: Fifth time Ultraman. 2007 Ultraman World Championships finish time 33:05:24. Entering Ultraman because: Best Ohana I’ve ever seen. Race staff is the best in the business. CREW: Swim Escort: Matt Jewell Land Crew: Suzanne Shriner, Jacque Wikum
	Wolfgang Schmidt, M49, New Dundee, ON, CANADA Occupation: Automation Specialist Races: Second time Ultraman. 2009 Ultraman Canada finish time 29:11:16, 6 Ironman finishes, 2 times Ironman World Championships. Entering Ultraman because: I like to challenge myself and see how far you can go. Just love the camaraderie and the team importance. Thanks to my wife of 27 years for the chance to get my dreams fulfilled. CREW: Swim Escort: Gina Torres & Scott Von Nordheim Land Crew: Lynda Schmidt, Phil Makin
	Jason Sissel, M34, Chicago, IL, USA Occupation: Philanthropist & Entrepreneur Races: Second time Ultraman. 2009 Ultraman Canada finish time 35:03:37, several Ironman finishes, several mountain climbs. Entering Ultraman because: I do ultra-distance sports so I can continually redefine my own physical limitations and inspire others that their only limitations are those they perceive in their minds. Most importantly, I do these events for a cause greater than myself—to raise funds to win the fight against pediatric cancer through my pediatric cancer foundation, Endure to Cure. I want to do Ultraman World Championships to keep my mission alive, to give hope and inspiration to others and to reunite with my Ultraman family! CREW: Swim Escort: Karen Hand Land Crew: Scott Horns, Duncan Cairns enduretocure.org
	Gary Wang , M43, Corte Madera, CA, USA Occupation: Engineering Director Races: Eleventh time Ultraman. 2009 Ultraman World Championships finish time 27:07:37, 11 times Western States 100 Finisher. Entering Ultraman because: To see my true self under stress. To learn to be a better person. To give others what I can. To know that I am so lucky to have wonderful friends. To share the aloha with those who need the most. CREW: Swim Escort: Jackie Hoffman Land Crew: Jennifer Watt, Jackie Hoffman www.realendurance.com