Whilst he is now widely regarded as one of the best long course triathletes in the world after winning the IRONMAN World Championship title last year, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Sam Laidlow as a professional.
Two years ago, the Frenchman recalls being a relatively unknown athlete when he turned up to the PTO Tour Canadian Open, and shares how thanks to the PTO he got his big break after finishing fourth in Edmonton.
Highlighting all the good things the organization does in a post ahead of the Singapore T100, the PTO World #10 shared compelling evidence of how the entity and their races open doors for professional athletes.
“There was a lot of uncertainty around professional triathlon”
As an athlete who has always viewed Kona as the pinnacle of the sport, Laidlow recognizes that achieving his ambitions at the IRONMAN World Championships would have been much harder without the PTO.
Photo Credit: Bartlomiej Zborowski, Activ Images for IRONMAN
“Despite my childhood dream being the IRONMAN World Championship, I think it’s important to point out that this dream probably wouldn’t;t have been quite as viable without the help of the T100 and the PTO.
“Before the PTO came along, there was a lot of uncertainty around professional triathlon, especially for my generation. In 2022, I went to the Canadian open and won $40,000 for coming fourth, then repeated that at the US Open.
“During these races I started to get some sponsorship attention and material support. I could then afford to go to Kona for three weeks and prepare exactly how I wanted to with my Dad and training partners.
“From there, I then went on to break the Kona bike course record and finish second. This opened so many doors. I don’t think I’m only speaking for myself here but what the T100 has given us has changed the game.”
“Triathlon is a viable profession”
As well as giving him a platform, Laidlow added that the PTO and their investment has changed the perception of professional triathlon, in a way that will inspire the next generation.
[Photo Credit – Jan Hetfleisch, Getty Images for IRONMAN]
“Kids will be watching us race this weekend with their parents, knowing professional triathlon is a viable profession.
I believe that that alone is worth its weight in gold, it’s something that is new, that is exciting and that long term we will be so very grateful for.
“T100 applied the pressure, they set off that first domino, now other organizations follow. So thank you!”
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