IRONMAN New Zealand, held annually in the picturesque town of Taupo, is known for attracting top-tier athletes from all over the world, including several of the top 100 professional triathletes.
This year’s event promises to be no exception, with elite athletes such as Fenella Langridge, Alanis Siffert, Pieter Heemeryck, and Joe Skipper participating. However, one name that stands out is that of Liam Messam, the former New Zealand rugby union star who is set to compete in his first-ever full-distance IRONMAN race.
Liam Messam is a household name in New Zealand, having enjoyed a successful career in rugby union. His athletic prowess on the field has made him one of the country’s most recognizable sports figures. Messam’s background includes a stellar career with the All Blacks, New Zealand’s national rugby team, where he earned 43 international caps.
His career highlights include being a key member of the All Blacks squad that triumphed in the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England. Not only did Messam contribute to New Zealand’s success on the 15-a-side rugby field, but he was also an accomplished Sevens player, representing New Zealand at the 2006 and 2010 Olympic Games, where he helped the country secure two gold medals in the Rugby Sevens competition.
Despite his achievements in rugby, Messam’s athletic journey did not stop with his retirement from the sport. After hanging up his rugby boots, he transitioned into the world of professional boxing.
Messam took up the sport with the same intensity and dedication that marked his rugby career. He has since built an impressive boxing record, with 7 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, including a notable victory by knockout. However, even with his boxing success, Messam was not content with resting on his laurels.
Now, at the age of 40, Messam is venturing into the world of triathlon, where he will compete in his first full IRONMAN event at the 2025 IRONMAN New Zealand in Taupo. This race is a true test of endurance, combining a 3.8-kilometer swim, a 180-kilometer bike ride, and a 42.2-kilometer marathon run, all set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Taupo and its surrounding rural landscapes. The race promises to be a challenging feat for even the most seasoned athletes, but for Messam, it is another opportunity to push his physical and mental limits.
In an interview with IRONMAN and the New Zealand Herald, Messam shared his motivation for taking on this new challenge. “I think the guts of it is that I really want to test myself mentally and physically,” Messam explained. Having a history of pushing himself to the limit in both rugby and boxing, he felt compelled to take on something new that would challenge him in a completely different way. Messam’s love for intense training and testing his mental and physical boundaries in other sports led him to consider the triathlon.
The moment that sparked Messam’s interest in triathlon came when he attended a Half Ironman event and witnessed the speed and determination of the professional athletes. He described the experience of watching the pros running at a near-sprint pace, followed by everyday participants pushing through the grueling event, as an eye-opening moment. It was at that moment that Messam knew he had to take on this challenge for himself. “I just saw your everyday person start coming off their bike and trying to walk and I just thought, this is it,” he recalled. Inspired by the athletes and the event itself, Messam reached out to people in the triathlon community and began preparing for his first IRONMAN.
Despite his significant athletic background, Messam is under no illusions about the enormity of the IRONMAN challenge. As a newcomer to triathlon, his primary goal for the race is simple: to finish. “I just want to get through it and just complete the whole thing,” he stated. Given the length and difficulty of an IRONMAN race, simply finishing is an achievement in itself. The event will be a massive test of endurance, requiring Messam to push through exhaustion and face mental and physical challenges at every stage of the race.
Nevertheless, Messam is not entirely dismissing the idea of getting hooked on the sport. He’s aware of the phenomenon of “catching the IRONMAN bug,” a term often used to describe the sense of exhilaration and accomplishment that many athletes experience upon completing their first full-distance race. Messam humorously mentioned, “I’ve heard that you catch the IRONMAN bug 20 meters out from the end of the race,” acknowledging that many first-time competitors find themselves eager to take on more after completing the challenge. He also joked that he would bring fly spray and a fly swat with him to ensure that he doesn’t get infected by the IRONMAN bug and end up pursuing the sport further.
For now, however, it seems that Messam’s focus is firmly on completing the race. He has set his sights on making this a one-time experience, at least in terms of tackling the full IRONMAN distance. As someone with a history of excelling in multiple sports, Messam’s decision to take on the IRONMAN challenge is not surprising. However, it’s clear that, even for a man of his impressive athletic background, the demands of this event will be something entirely new.
The IRONMAN New Zealand race in Taupo is renowned for its stunning setting and tough course, making it a standout event in the global triathlon calendar. Athletes competing in Taupo will swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Taupo, cycle through scenic countryside, and run along the lakefront, all while battling the physical and mental demands of one of the most challenging endurance races in the world.
For Messam, this race will serve as an opportunity to test not only his physical strength but also his mental toughness. It will be a true reflection of his relentless pursuit of excellence and his desire to constantly push his limits, much like he did in rugby and boxing.
While Messam’s entry into the world of triathlon is exciting, it is clear that he has entered with a deep respect for the sport and an understanding of the immense challenge it presents. With his history of pushing through adversity and achieving success in two other demanding sports, Messam’s participation in the IRONMAN New Zealand is sure to add another fascinating chapter to his already remarkable athletic career.
Whether he finishes the race in triumph or simply crosses the finish line as a first-time triathlete, Messam’s journey will undoubtedly inspire others to take on new challenges and test their own limits in the pursuit of personal growth and achievement.
In conclusion, Liam Messam’s decision to compete in the IRONMAN New Zealand is a testament to his ongoing passion for sport and personal development. As he embarks on this new challenge, the 40-year-old former rugby star is set to prove that even after achieving greatness in one sport, the desire to push further and explore new avenues of athleticism remains strong. Messam’s journey into triathlon will inspire countless others to step out of their comfort zones and strive to achieve something extraordinary, regardless of their past achievements.
For Messam, the IRONMAN is more than just a race – it is another opportunity to test his limits, both mentally and physically, and to continue his legacy of excellence in the world of sports.
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