Macca will not defend Kona title

Australia’s Chris McCormack has revealed that he will not defend his Ironman World Championship title. Instead, McCormack has set his sights on racing at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

He will spend 2011 and 2012 attaining qualifying points to meet the criteria needed for him to be selected to the Australian Olympic Triathlon Team.

McCormack said this on his Facebook page.

“Hey thanks for the well wishes. I have am absolutely aware of the enormity of this task and right now my focus is trying to secure a spot on the Australian Olympic Team. It has been a long time since I cut my teeth in ITU racing and I am more than aware of just how fast these guys are. It will be an honor to race them.

I have a 12 month window to attempt to make the team and though to myself, it is now or never. By Rio I will be way to old. The task I have set is amazing but I look forward to the challenge and am more than aware that these ITU guys are younger, faster and more experienced at this style and format. I was told by a sport scientist about 8 years ago that a move to Ironman is a one way ticket. There is no coming back. That same guy told me I would never win Kona. I look forward to the challenge and more so am excited about racing the fastest guys on earth. I am old enough to be the father of many of these kids. My wife loves that!”

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