Erin and Lionel Sanders celebrate the arrival of their first child

Lionel Sanders knew that he would need to be ready for a quick turnaround after the Ironman World Championship – his wife, Erin, was expecting just a week after the race in Kona.

While the day in Kona wasn’t a great one for Sanders, all that will be forgotten quickly as he steps into a new role as a father.

After a few weeks “hiatus” from social media, tonight Lionel and Erin let us know officially that baby Levi had arrived:

“Took a little hiatus from social media to enjoy the birth and first few weeks with our little pumpkin, Levi!” Sanders posted on his Instagram page tonight. “Happy to report Mom and baby are doing well and I’m back grinding! Season ain’t over yet!”

 

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A post shared by Lionel Sanders (@lsanderstri)

In an interview in Kona before the Ironman World Championship, we touched base with Sanders about the impending arrival:

“I’m excited, I’m nervous, the little baby is coming in 18 days from today,” he said. “Erin’s holding down the fort getting the baby room ready. She went and bought the diapers, the wipes … I didn’t know how to do any of this stuff, by the way. I won’t pretend that I know anything … I’m going to learn and I’m excited to learn. I know I’ll make mistakes, but I hope to do the little guy the best I can. It’s a cool part of life that I’m excited to experience.”

Here at Triathlon Magazine Canada, we wish the growing Sanders clan all the best.