The triathlon world got some bad news today. One of the really good guys in the sport passed away yesterday. Steve Larsen of Bend, Oregon passed away yesterday apparently during a track workout from what they believe was a heart attack. Steve was 39 years old, a father of 5, an amazing athlete and an all around nice guy.
I had the pleasure of meeting Steve twice and both times I was impressed by his workman like and friendly attitude. I also had the opportunity to race against him at Ironman CdA (I use this term lightly because I really wasn't a threat to him). I remember crossing paths on the bike and watching this man in a calm, controlled and yet powerful manner rocket forward on his bike. I only dare to dream about such ability on the bike. Steve was a professional road bike racer, a national champion mountain bike racer and when he turned to triathlon he was a winner as well winning the 2001 Ironman Lake Placid with his devestating bike effort.
It's hard to think about a man with such amazing fitness gone so suddenly and so young. It rings home for me as my father passed away from a heart attack while working out at the age of 52. By looking at him you would have sworn he was no more than 40. I don't know if there was a family history of heart disease for Steve I know there is for me and this just reminds me it's time to get my checkup. Some will say that all the stress of training took it's toll on his heart and while that may or may not be true I know it's not a lifestyle that I'd give up easily or very willingly as I get too much joy from the training and racing, it enriches my life everyday as I believe it did for Steve as well.
Tonight I'm thinking about his kids and his wife because I do know what it's like to have a father gone suddenly. My advice to all of you parents out there is tell your kids you love and hug them everyday. To all of you kids tell your parents and loved ones just that you love them because frankly you never know when it might be the last time. Steve may you rest in peace.
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