Ironman Gossip: How not to be a Champion

After winning Ironman Hawaii for the second time in his career (2004), Norman Stadler demonstrated what can only be called very poor judgment and impulsive "moron-ity".

Minutes after crossing the finish line and in front of a live crowd of thousands in the stands, Stadler inexplicably removed his champion's wreath from around his neck, threw it to the ground, and shouted obscenities toward the crowd.

Of course, everyone witnessing was appalled, but none more so than the local Hawaiians who consider their maile leaved wreaths sacred--worn by ancient kings and queens. Stadler's reaction was so offensive and disrespectful to Hawaiians that a priest was retrieved to "cleanse" Norman.

Stadler's actions are thought to have been an "in your face" directed to three-time Ironman Hawaii champ Peter Reid who retired from the sport this year and in a recent interview with Triathlete Magazine, predicted Stadler would finish no better than 5th because, "the guy can't run." Reid watched the finish from the VIP section of the stands.

Unfortunately, Stadler didn't leave his 3rd Grade behavior at the finish. In a post-race interview he accused second place finisher Chris McCormack of illegally drafting during the race. "We all know that he was cheating," Stadler told Triathlete. The day after the race, at the post-race banquet, McCormack confronted Stadler and the two almost came to blows.

A little controversy is good for all sports, but not in the disrespectful fashion Stadler chose. Hopefully a few photos will be published of Stadler throwing the wreath to the ground -- his sponsors will surely not appreciate being associated with that image and reconsider a relationship in the future. That may be the only way for Stadler to learn his lesson.