Sam Long takes another Athlete of the Month title and tops world rankings
American star riding high as he embarks on an ambitious week of racing
Photo by:
Kevin Mackinnon
It’s only June, but Sam Long has already enjoyed a stellar year. Thanks to a huge win at Ironman 70.3 St. George in May the American moved to the top of the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) World Rankings (the first American male to do that) and is now the first athlete to have been voted the PTO Athlete of the Month twice after winning the award in January, too.
Long is about to embark on a huge pair of races over the next two weeks – competing at the T100 San Francisco race this weekend and following that up with Ironman Cairns the next weekend. Long is looking to qualify for the Ironman World Championship in Kona at the race in Australia.
“It honestly feels really good,” Long said of his rise to the top of the rankings. “It has long been my dream to be the absolute best in the world at something. While there are different metrics, such as being a World Champion, over the years the PTO World Ranking has gained a lot of validity. It points very strongly to having the best rolling 365 days of any triathlete in the world. It’s a dream come true.”
In addition to his win in Utah last month, Long has finished second at the first two T100 events in Miami and Singapore, along with another runner-up finish at Ironman 70.3 Oceanside and a win at Ironman 70.3 Pucon in January.
So what will it take to move up a step on the T100 podium this weekend?
“I just have to keep focusing on my own process,” Long said. “I have the winning formula within me and have gotten close. I’ve continued to fine-tune things since the last two second-place finishes. It’s a matter of when, not if, and while I would love for it to happen this weekend. If not, I will keep focusing on my own mastery of the craft… especially the swim.”
The PTO Triathlete of the Month is decided by a panel of triathlon media that includes us here at Triathlon Magazine, Global Triathlon Network (GTN), Triathlete and Tri-Mag.de. Each outlet votes on their 1, 2, 3 from a four-athlete shortlist – awarding 3 points for #1, 2 pts for #2 and 1 pt for #3 – with triathlon fans also voting via the T100 social handles. Long topped the list with 11 points, followed by Emma Pallant-Browne with 9 points and Kyle Smith with 7.