Hometown Triathlon Beast Andrew Starykowicz

I grew up playing Mundelein AYSO (American Youth Soccer Association) with Andrew’s younger brother Peter. Peter and I always had a friendly rivalry. My brother and I played on a team every year against Peter’s team. Peter was a fiery & fierce competitor on the soccer field and his family was always a part of the soccer community.

Flash forward to 2013, the year of the my first Ironman in Louisville on August 25. These days my sport of choice is triathlon. I had an amazing year training, learning about myself, meeting inspiring people, having amazing training partners, and having the adventure of a lifetime.

Then came long awaited mecca of triathlon races, the Ironman World Championships in Kona. It is exciting seeing Andrew Starykowicz, somebody whose family grew up in my community competing on the largest triathlon of the year. What a way to cap off the triathlon season! Congratulations to anyone who has trained and even attempted an Ironman!

Below is a like to Andrew’s race recap from his website. He stayed with the lead pack on the swim and set out to break the Ironman World Championship bike course record in his strongest discipline. He arrived into T2 first after going into beast mode on the bike. He recorded the days fastest bike effort with a 4:21:50 bike split. Wowzers! In his Kona debut, just another kid  from my hometown finished in 16th place. I’m inspired by everyone who has made an effort to find more happiness in life through wellness, training for a goal, fitness, nutrition, and a little perspiration!

19th – Ironman World Championships