Samantha McGlone Won't Race Ironman Hawaii

A nagging Achilles heel injury that has lasted 18 months became too much - Samantha McGlone won't be able to start at Hawaii Ironman this year.

McGlone has had a very successful 2008 racing year so far, claiming titles at the Wildflower Long Course in San Luis Obispo, CA, the Ironman 70.3 Hawaii triathlon, and the Ironman 70.3 Kansas race. She was the 2nd place finisher last year in Kona, a real threat to win the Ironman crown this year.

Showing the guts and determination she has - not to mention the pure athletic ability - McGlone beat former Ironman World Champion Michellie Jones earlier this year at the Ford Ironman 70.3 Triathlon despite having jetlag and enduring a flat tire on the bike course. She appeared to be primed for the race this year in Hawaii, and perhaps good fortune was lining up on her side - and there is often a good dose of luck required to top the field at Ironman Hawaii.