Upon crossing the finish line in first place last year, Normann Stadler had a wreath put on his head and a lei put around his neck. Excited, but more importantly exhausted, Stadler took the wreath off and, depending on how the story is told, dropped it, tossed it or threw it to the ground. It was promptly picked up and handed back to him. He discarded it again.
Stadler told a group of San Diego triathletes that he found the wreath itchy and uncomfortable, as if thorns were digging into his head. (He had just completed an Ironman, after all.) And that he didn't mean any disrespect, he just wasn't in the mood to wear it. Before the awards ceremony the next day, he was pulled aside by organizers and told that what he had done was considered a grave display of disrespect to the Hawaiian people and the islands. He was then put through a purification ceremony before he was allowed to receive his medal.
Stadler's situation was a misunderstanding. He didn't mean to offend; the German was merely unaware of the significance of his act. It's a lesson--in this time of destination events and global racing circuits--that athletes of all abilities and endeavors can learn from.
Ironman athletes competing in Hawaii should understand that the islands have more deeply rooted customs and traditions than, say, Wisconsin or Lake Placid. Our latest story in the Ironman special section talks about the meaning behind the aloha spirit and how visitors can show proper respect to the culture of the Hawaiian islands.
On October 13, the triathlon world will find out who the best in the world is--and thousands more will achieve a dream. Tune in to Active.com's coverage of the 2007 Ford Ironman World Championship and find out what's going on in Kona.