Lionel Sanders VS Sam Long Final 5K 70.3 St.George

[@AlexLowe1000]

Lionel looked so proud to have Sam finish right behind him and help push him to such a fantastic finish. Incredible job by two incredible athletes and human beings.

[@hugoripoche7685]

Thanks for your fighting spirit. Trully inspiring.

[@riccardonobile8815]

idk if they really are 'Human beings' actually lol. However they gave everything, what an incredible effort.

[@Mike.A.]

Loved how in the heat of the battel Lionel gestured to Sam to show him the way to go @ 12:29

[@gregjirving]

One of the greatest finishes I’ve seen in the sport. Two rivals paying respect to one another by each pushing their own limit to the extreme. Sportmanship at its absolute best !

[@susanwiggins6309]

Well said!!

[@theresdave6892]

Yes!!!

[@jkapeliela]

Truly Epic!!!💪🏼

[@lekcindr]

super cool! also check out the Iron War of '89 if you're not already familiar.

[@rogerc23]

Interesting this video now has more views than Lionel has subscribers.

[@airzonaian]

Couldn’t have been a better showcase for the sport. Thats how you finish!

[@jonathane7819]

The way sport was meant to be! A little trash talking, with two outstanding athletes, race, then show the respect. I really like how these two guys are opening up the triathlon world to the rest of us. Well done Lionel and Sam.

[@jatinmaharao6888]

Lionel crying while hugging Sam. Just shows how deep they had to dig in and their comradery. IronmanTri should start having a live stream on KZbin.

[@scarroll1555]

They put it on Facebook....but I agree youtube live would have been better because then on mobile you can still watch and use your phone for other things while out and about.

[@nickvanu88]

They stream on Ironman Now page on FB

[@jatinmaharao6888]

@@scarroll1555 agreed

[@jatinmaharao6888]

@@nickvanu88 yup. I just find KZbin a better experience for watching videos

[@nickvanu88]

@@jatinmaharao6888 Put it on full screen and you won't notice much difference haha

[@joepeters9607]

That is the best triathlon I've ever seen in my life. Sam; and Lionel's genuine kind-natured pride of seeing Sam right there and challenging him, moved to tears. Beautiful Just beautiful. Expression of joy.

[@madisonhayden1411]

Thanks Talbot, you’re making triathlon so much more exciting to follow

[@Mike.A.]

Ditto

[@tyhigby4345]

Talbot’s video have given me so much more inspo to get into the sport! Because of that inspiration, I’m actually doing my first 70.3 in Waco TX this upcoming Sunday! 🙌🏽

[@tyhigby4345]

*videos

[@alaskahudson]

​@@tyhigby4345How did you do? And anything lately?

[@deekdubberly4385]

I’m stunned. Not sure I’ve ever seen anything like this. Incredible. So powerful. Never felt this way after watching a race.

[@jakehudgins6938]

Lionel, thank you for providing a top 5, maybe all-time, most inspirational sports moment for me. Thank you for giving us a glimpse into how DEEP you truly can go. Incredible. Talbot, your work is NOT going unnoticed. I think you know that. But I feel obligate to reassure you. WE THANK YOU.

[@CMMWest]

Agree on all counts! Thank you Lionel and Sam for this amazing race and Talbot for giving us the inside feels.

[@S65B40]

The pained expression on Lionel's face and the savage mentality behind it. Made me quite emotional. I recently completed Haines City 70.3 and I know that feeling. It's the worst but best feeling at the same time. You never feel more alive

[@rustyheyman1521]

I did this course so much tougher than a regular 70.3

[@ALLGAME14]

Well done Lionel. Love the sportsmanship and emotions at the end. Shows just how much racing means to you.

[@jchessk8657]

Lionel Sanders crying in the end shows how much he put into this race. This man is a legend and I love that they were able to finish as first and second. Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to follow you around this closely Lionel! Of course also a huge shout out to everyone behind the camera! Great work!

[@yogawithleahmarie]

I plan to rewatch this final 5km before every race - such motivation!! Way to go Lionel! 🇨🇦

[@sansooilegal]

Great Idea, just to remember that you can always push even more!! Those guys are such an inspiration for all of us

[@GrouEEf]

These guys, pure champions. No second place here. Just two winners. The expression on Lionel's face was so real. I love this sport, I love these guys.

[@allenmauia3186]

That was me yelling in grey shirt 5:50 as you were passing. I was so pumped as a fan. Lionel you did awesome 😎 You inspire many of us.

[@TjGeneroso]

Almost like Lionel knew Sam was going to grab water the last aid station and used the opportunity to gap him. That’s experience right there!

[@clydea.hutchisoniv5742]

yes I saw that and as Lionel started pulling away I was yelling at my tv, haha.

[@kipconwell]

They are both so strong, but I think you are right. Lionel made a move when it counted the most. Amazing ability all around!

[@macbainCO]

Took a page out of the Chris mccormack playbook

[@ADuckOnQuack97]

Stephen MacBain who took a page. Out of the mark allen playbook

[@TheSteinbitt]

He was just cooked at that time, he slowed before the drinking station and needed water to cool himself.

[@Thekidisalright]

Never a fan of Sam Long but I gotta say I have so much respect in him after this race, both he and Lionel displayed the true spirit of an Ironman and absolute grit. Well done boys.

[@rogerc23]

He’s like that annoying little brother always pushing you and wanting to do what you are doing. You can’t get rid of him so he just ends up growing on you lol.

[@derekabbotts]

I bet you're a fan now though! Mad respect for that kid!

[@kimberleegardner3580]

What’s not to like? He’s super humble and a heck of an athlete!

[@SamYoYoYoLong]

@@rogerc23 what a great analogy

[@rogerc23]

@@SamYoYoYoLong mate keep being you. Btw amazing race and I loved the finish line dive 😁

[@mathieucagnard4540]

Their hug at the finish line was so emotional. Immense respect for 2 fantastic champions! What a race !

[@ScottBayvel]

This is awesome. Thanks for capturing this and sharing this Talbot. Huge congrats Lionel. Amazing racing

[@t.j.dougherty940]

Scott, I can’t wait to watch you in IRONMAN CAIRNS. You are training like a beast right now. A performance like this can inspire anyone. Unbelievable!

[@ScottBayvel]

@@t.j.dougherty940 ah thanks buddy. Yea I’m hoping to put a performance together very similar to what Lionel did here but just double the distance haha

[@t.j.dougherty940]

@@ScottBayvel are you still coaching? I would love for you to look over my training and see if I could get on with you. What is a better way to contact you if it’s possible. Thanks.

[@ScottBayvel]

@@t.j.dougherty940 absolutely buddy. Drop me a Instagram message and we can chat

[@Tothesatneptomorrow]

So satisfying to religiously watch you and Sam’s KZbin series and then livestream you guys go 1-2. Amazing!

[@Mr427cj]

Just about cried myself there, at the end. Beautiful finish and effort by some amazing athletes.

[@justinrempel9366]

This was a prize fight! This race that these two delivered deserved a much greater purse prize; not a miserly $15k to the winner.

[@jimcooke7147]

That's who Lionel is Justin, a prize-fighter in a swim suit..! Epic Race

[@julienbouillot6960]

This could not have been a better finish after such a pre-race ramps up. The emotion at the end between the 2 of you was just incredible. 2 true genuine champions. Congratulations!

[@keshavgirdhar8842]

The best race ever I have seen. The amount of respect shown by both of them after the finish was insane.❤️

[@clydea.hutchisoniv5742]

Lionel just wants it more than anyone else, it's amazing he can just drop 2 world class guys like that. Watching him makes me happy:)

[@sscholz]

Chapeau Sam Long! You just brought a lion to tears. Can't get enough of this.

[@connorstenberg]

Lionel man. You’re phenomenal

[@jakehilderbrand4631]

What a race!!! Way to dig deep Lionel!! I'm truly grateful to have seen you race numerous times!! I'm glad you were guided to race triathlon years ago!! I love the grit you bring to your training and racing!! You are a true inspiration!! I wish you and your family a lot of happiness and success for years to come!!

[@kevindunbar8894]

Everything I love about this sport right there. Even in the heat of battle, Lionel had the decency to point Sam onto the right course. Awesome racing guys!!

[@theflorentine5047]

Yes extremely professional

[@carsonsongy5609]

Was so awesome that Mark Allen commented on the live chat too! What a freaking race 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@pjbeattie1]

So much respect for both those guys (and all the athletes competing) What a finish!! I am not a triathlete but man that was a race!!!!!

[@fundypaddlesurf]

The Big Unit brought Lionel to tears. Epic race

[@troywallace705]

Some of the finest racing we have seen in years. Congratulations Lionel, you left it all out there.

[@pbnz1975]

Massive goosebumps watching this finish. Amazing respect for both Lionel and Sam. Incredible finish, one of the best all time finishes. Thanks Talbot for capturing it and uploading it so soon.

[@larsborghardt]

EPIC! Simply EPIC!!! The best race I've watched and the most thrilling and inspiring finish i have ever seen at a 70.3! Woowww! Thank you for that guys!

[@DRDubreuil]

WOW!!!!! That was incredible. One of the best finishes for sure. Congrats to both!

[@fd23full]

Iconic. Inspirational. So awesome. Like watching two gladiators go toe to toe with genuine respect and affection for one another. Talbot you little beauty for filming that and being able to listen to all the yells of support almost made me feel like I was there, instead of Christchurch, NZ!

[@orve78]

What a beast. Respect the legend 🙌

[@aubreysanders9530]

Last 3 k, Lionel/Sam was a TITANIC battle.=) !!!!!! OMG Absolutely beautiful display of the human spirit! Thanks Talbot! FYI Lionel's Mom finished in 6:52!! Way to go Rebecca :)

[@Anders11J]

Awesome. I was one of the riders who passed them in the video (far far behind them...) It was so cool to watch them go at it. Way to go, Lionel! Good effort, Sam!

[@Jsbranch]

Its moments like that hug at the finish that remind you why you compete. Congrats Lionel, this was awesome to see.

[@gulshanprice1298]

I had tears watching - Best finish I've ever seen - Lionel you're an inspiration. This is my second ever comment on youtube, the first was after your raw Kona disappointment video to say stick at it and you'll be back and back you are buddy!

[@joebearman620]

One of the best race finishes I have ever seen in my life. Absolutely brutal, raw and beautiful. Massive respect to Sam and Lionel and even more so for the effort these men put into the sport. So much love and respect for you two ❤️❤️❤️

[@bdlahr]

That was the most amazing finish! To see Lionel get so emotional was just the culmination of all the hard work and dedication he has put into his training this last year. Fantastic!

[@CG-99]

This friendly and fun rivalry between Sam and Lionel and this coverage is so unbelievably good for this sport.

[@RyanDeGreg]

No music. No commentary. No camera cuts. Pure race content. And it's free. Thank you.

[@thepearratz]

Talbot that was epic coverage. You captured the intensity so much better than the LIVE stream. Amazing!

[@SuperKat1029]

I’m crying, and this is amazing, and I have so much respect. Thank you again for the videos and coverage. 😺🤙🏽

[@t.j.dougherty940]

I watched both of you live in Galveston fly by me the opposite direction on the bike and thought that was great. I had no idea that when I got up early this morning to stream the race live that I was going to witness something so amazing! I had tears at the finish in my eyes. You and Sam took Ironman to a whole new level today. Unbelievable performance!!!

[@jsmith4911]

I thought we were going to have to wait a few days for this, not a few hours! ❤️

[@bryanhowarth4767]

Epic finish guys! If I could like this video 100 more times I would. You guys epitomize competitiveness and sportsmanship. Couldn’t have drawn it up any better. Enjoy your rest.

[@cristianrecabarren5891]

Time 11:56 at the video: Someone from the crowd scream NO LIMITS, NO LIMITS! and Lionel scream YESSS! I Love that moment! thanks guys for such an inspirational moment!

[@joebearman620]

And he took that personally 🤷‍♂️💪🏼

[@rogerc23]

Great catch. Now tell me what the F she is yelling @12:49? I think i heard “you are an animal.”

[@claudiacastaneda9251]

@@rogerc23 actually that was me yelling at Lionel. I quoted Steve Profontain "WHOEVER HAS THE MOST GUTS WILL WIN AND YOU LIONEL YOU HAVE THE MOST GUTS!!" I think he heard me. When I saw both of them I got so exited. I will never forget that moment.

[@rogerc23]

@@claudiacastaneda9251 Haha are you serious or you’re messing with me? If true that’s fantastic.

[@claudiacastaneda9251]

@@rogerc23 It is true. My husband was doing the race. I decided to walk about a mile from the finish line and I saw both if them coming. I knew both of them were hurting and Pre's quote came to my mind and I started screaming like crazy. My husband is now showing the video to our family including our neighbors. It was so amazing!! Kind of embarrassed when I see the video because I am screaming like crazy.

[@facediaper09]

Dang I got freaking tears at the end. Please don't tell anyone.

[@marioglory8528]

me too - rhodes island greece :)

[@MrDeadLaw]

Cmon brother, we all did

[@joebearman620]

As soon as Lionel weeped, I weeped

[@EnduranceJay]

This was an epic battle and will go down as one of the best imo. These two guys doing so much for the sport 🔥 congratulations Lionel I was on the edge of my seat watching this race

[@Dimo6318]

Epic!!! Gotta say the finish line was so intense that a tear dropped to see the respect from each other!!!!

[@manisi134]

We were SCREAMING at the TV. Amazing.

[@mathieucagnard4540]

Same here ! I scared the family😉

[@jthunderstrength]

Sincerely this is why I love triathlon, so much effort and training in everything they do, for this final moment, keep doing the best. Congrats Lionel you deserve it!

[@ThysWind]

SO. GOOD! No need for music or bells and whistles. This is pure drama and epic racing. Great job Lionel and Talbot!

[@AdventuresomeOutlook]

Sam and lionel in a sprint finish! I asked for this in Galveston and they delivered instead today! These guys are my two favorite athletes and I admire their dedication and mental toughness this was such an amazing moment for triathlon. Hats off to the booth of them and here's to more close finishes to come

[@amblincork]

It wasnt really a sprint finish as such; Lionel pulled ahead from around 13.43 and Long could not respond and Lionel crossed the line at 15.48, Long had lost the race by 14.00 minutes - he was well beaten

[@PolarBear9733]

I “raced” this course today and it’s brutal for mere mortals like me. These guys raced that whole course and then finished like THAT! VERY BIG RESPECT!👏🏼

[@goncalosantos9942]

These moment made me remember why I need sports in my life. Moved to tears. Amazing show of human potencial. Congrats to all athletes, coaches, race staff and volunteers, public and a huge hug to Talbot for the amazing moment you provided us.

[@tomasvalve930]

My heartbeat increased a lot watching this. The emotions at the end is incredible. This is the best I've ever seen in triathlon. All in just increased in the literal sense.

[@charlieb5986]

Lionel and Sam - this was truely incredible. Congratulations to you both. What an absolute privilege for us mere mortals to witness. The absolute comittment, hard work, dedication and sportsmanship you both continuously display is inspirational. Thanks too Talbot for your incredible work and bringing these moments to the world wide webs.

[@kellyhilman5782]

I cried watching this live and during this replay. So much respect. Thank you for all you do for the sport.

[@cjkravatz]

The emotion, the mutual respect. This is the triathlon the world wants to see. This footage is more real and captivating than the Kona feeds. You can almost feel it, it's so "right there". Kudos fellas. Looking forward to more of this from you warriors. I'm stunned

[@tld-fitness]

Genuinely sat in tears at the end of the race seeing the pure emotion from both Sam and Lionel. It has been a tough year and we all want to be back racing.

[@nancypulham9493]

The worst part of these videos are when it's over. I want more! Another excellent job Talbot! You just keep knocking it outta the park. Probably the best triathlon race I've seen to date. Big, huge congratulations to Lionel and Sam!

[@rosskaff]

Fantastic coverage. You could really see just how hard those guys were pushing themselves. Thanks for doing this for the fans!

[@alanmaracle3671]

Talbot! This is fantastic! Your productions have really moved to a new level this year. Well done. Lionel, you are the KING

[@juanseaforth5111]

What an epic race I was screaming at the TV 📺 “ don’t go down Superman fight “ 👊🏾👊🏾

[@fergaloleary1295]

That's just epic!! This should have a million views. Lionel and Sam are such competitors. Thanks Talbot for the videos all week.

[@sarabt]

When you read "final 5K" and the video is 16min long...

[@beckedd]

they could performed this 5k in 13 or less... but if you dont remember(or know) they left some others km of bike and swim behind.... to some of us 16minuts of action were sooooo short You dont see this all the days 🔥

[@victordamianovic8450]

None of them can run 5k in 13 minutes

[@rorybray7356]

Crazy impressive at the end of a triathlon!

[@leocossham]

It's significantly slower than if you're on fresh legs

[@Jeppelelle]

@@beckedd 25s from world record pace? Doubt it, 5k runners do specialised & targeted training to do sub 13, so for a triathlete that train for best performance overall in swimming, bike & running, maybe not impossible but highly unlikely

[@getupandtri3208]

It's inspiring to see these guys push it to the ultimate limit! Lionel gave an amazing effort. I've seen him in pain before, but never reduced to tears, looks like he gave literally everything he had

[@christophkleih2543]

Lionel, that was amazing. You are an inspiration. Watching all your videos since years. Keep it up. Talbot, thank you for the awesome material, that is a lot of work!

[@ceciliabidwell1809]

Absolutely amazing. Have become so invested in the videos and the stories. Was in tears watching this.

[@davemorrill8337]

Thanks Talbot, I needed to see that, epic finish, thank you.

[@colinland256]

I could watch that all day. Best race I have watched. Thanks for the video. GO LIONEL! Thanks Talbot

[@markwilson4535]

Great video - incredible to watch this quality of racing so close up, raw and pure, phenomenal!!! Thank you!!

[@ralzalychhoeng7893]

Watching this classic again and wow Sam's legs are twigs compared to today. He put on some serious muscle in the quads.

[@tucanazo6068]

Sport elevates the human spirit...You guys just showed the greatness of triathlon. THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS GREAT EXPERIENCE!!!!

[@CMMWest]

Unbelievably fun to watch that unbelievable effort from both you and Sam. Thank you!

[@marcelocastrolapocha]

congratulation @Talbot Cox for this superb coverage!!!! This goes down to one of the best triathlon coverage (probably only second to the Iron Was) CONGRATS again!

[@leeshepherd9034]

Absolute phenomenal race, one of the best finishes I've seen! Lionel paced to perfection and destroyed himself in the last couple of miles, wow, respect.

[@sherylbogardus3062]

Loved this raw footage of a truly epic race. I actually teared up watching this live and again watching from this perspective. A truly awesome sports moment. Thanks Talbot for this and your coverage all week!! 🔥❤️🔥❤️

[@wakweikafelix]

This was such an emotional finish. Seeing Sam hit the ground immediately after crossing the finish line just showed how much suffering he was enduring! The hug at the end summed it all up!

[@sansooilegal]

And taking the shoes off immediatelly!! Man that was hurting for sure!! Those guys... Damn that was beautiful!!

[@kristianolauson4494]

Epic! Love the raw format of this Talbot. Huge impact. The course and battle needs nothing more than your lens and mic. Killer!!!!!!

[@SGRealEstateGuy]

You guys are MONSTERS! What a friggin' treat to be right there at the water on race day! See you in September, our St. George family loves hosting you!

[@CleanDogz]

Absolutely world class racing. Great race from Ditlev, Sam, Bakkegård and what a finish by you Lionel! That was some crazy awesome racing, thanks!

[@davemact1748]

Such an amazing effort. Simply the best race I’ve ever watched. Lionel you’ve inspired me in more ways then any words could ever convey.

[@Gufenaugh]

Awesome competitors, thanks Talbot for capturing their efforts.

[@coldfisao]

Thank you for sharing another great event prep and then showing us this finish! Awesome work and what a race between great athletes with a superb mindset.

[@willietatum5116]

Unbelievable heart and battle! Proud of you Lionel!

[@bricembaumgardner]

Race week is great. Just do a full-time documentary. “No Limits”. Make the PTO pay for it.

[@marktimmins7969]

Wow. This was truly epic. can't wait to watch the full rerun of the race. Congrats Lionel !!!! Great work Talbot.

[@jamespayne9061]

Genuinely better coverage than the Ironman stream. This was one of the best battles triathlon has seen in years. Thank god for Talbot otherwise we would have missed all the action!! Cannot wait for Kona!!

[@andrewward2908]

Incredible to watch the moment that Lionel makes a move..... all of a sudden a gap and then it gradually stretches out. Fascinating to watch.

[@benlali]

THANK YOU TALBOT AND AMAZING RACE LIONEL AND SAM

[@kathyzeiler2010]

Thank you Talbot!!!! That was super intense. Way to go Lionel!!!!!!! You are a beast!!

[@pumpkinpie82]

As amazing as the finish was (it was!), the class you showed afterwards being interviewed takes you to another level. Huge respect. Happy recovery!

[@heikkisanelma6625]

Few more months to go for you sir to raise the level once more in St George on the spectrum of whole wide world! Cant wait!