| Book Review - Iron War |
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Book Review: Iron War: DAve Scott, MArk Allen and The Greatest Race Ever Run By Matt Fitzgerald, Velo Press, 288 pages
However, little has been written about all that transpired in the lives of these two amazing endurance athletes in the years leading up to the 1989 confrontation. Who knew that, in his sophomore year in college, Scott could demolish a dozen grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch and once ate seven helpings of turkey dinner, yet became a vegan before winning Ironman Hawaii six times? Or that Scott managed to win his first Ironman in 1980 in a time of 9:24:33 with one foot taped to a pedal for stability because snap-in pedals had not yet been invented? Was it Allen’s belief in Shamanism and developing the power of one’s body and soul that helped him eventually defeat Scott, who believed the key to victory lay in training harder than anyone else? What happened in the formative years of these two warriors that inspired the triathlon journey that culminated in their 1989 confrontation in Kona? Matt Fitzgerald reveals it all in Iron War and it is truly a remarkable, must-read book. The author not only chronicles the lives and accomplishments of two of the greatest champions Ironman has ever known, but in many ways defines why triathlon is the fastest growing mainstream sport in the world. This book will inspire you. — Ray Fauteux May/June 2012 |
Many people are aware of the 1989 Ironman Hawaii duel between Dave Scott and Mark Allen that effectively ended Scott’s reign as undisputed Kona champion and marked the first of six wins for Allen.