[ad_1]
(FOX40.COM) — Thousands of athletes from all across the world crossed the finish line on North America’s largest full-distance Ironman Sunday in Sacramento.
FOX40 went to the race and spoke with people from all walks of life. While each person had their own unique story, they all had one thing in common — the drive to complete this major challenge.
Early in the afternoon, our team met Emmanuel Lopez. He’s from Mission, TX and had his own mission Sunday. The experienced athlete came in 3rd in his category for this year’s Ironman California.
“I train all year round,” Lopez said. “This is number 23.”
On the other side of the ropes, FOX40 met a woman named Kensie and her whole family, who came out to support their dad.
“I just felt a rush of joy through my head and I just felt really happy,” one of the daughters said.
The different stories don’t stop there. FOX40 met Jennifer Biliberto. She and her friend both experienced serious car crashes and made a vow to stand in solidarity with one another to complete an Ironman after they healed.
“She got hit 6 years ago and broke her hip,” Biliberto’s friend said before Biliberto jumped in and added, “I’ve been trying to do an ironman since.”
All of these athletes joined together in Sacramento for the same 140.6-mile, premier triathlon. These top athletes kicked off the race around 7 a.m. They then swam, biked, and ran all the way to Capitol Mall.
“Here’s our Ironman!” one family cheered out — adding to the ambiance of the downtown area filled with spirit, joy and love.
More than 3,400 athletes registered this year — representing 47 states and 53 countries. The finish line let out an array of hydration, support and cheer as many athletes celebrated the culmination of years’ worth of training.
“I did a full Ironman a month ago,” Lopez said. “So I was a bit doubtful as to what I could do today, but I am very proud to come in third in my age category. So I’ll take that any day. And, yeah, I’m happy.”
Liz Miller crossed the finish line as the fastest female racer this year.
“I can’t stop thinking about, like, rounding the corner into that finish line and just, like, waiting for them to pull that tape across and knowing that I got to grab it, like I’m going to relive that forever,” Miller said.
With a running background, she learned to swim as an adult and made the journey from New Mexico to California to race in her 15th Ironman. However, Sunday marked her first win — a major milestone in her athletic career. She said that from beginning to end, she could feel the empowerment all around her — other women cheering her on. Now, she’s doing the same. She shared a message with young athletes.
“Just go for it,” Miller said. “Believe in yourself. You don’t have to be the best. You just have to be willing to put in the work and anyone is capable of doing that.”
[ad_2]
Sierra Krug
Source link