London, UK: There’s no stopping Sam Long at the moment. After demolishing the field at the Ironman 70.3 St. George at the beginning of the month and moving to PTO World #1 for the first time, Long has also been voted the PTO Athlete of the Month for May. 

The Big Unit is the first American male triathlete to make it #1 in the PTO World Rankings since they were formally introduced in 2019 and is visibly on the crest of a wave in the sport right now. He is also the first athlete – male or female – to have been voted PTO Athlete of the Month twice, having picked up the accolade in January this year. This time he beat off strong competition from Brits India Lee and Emma Pallant-Browne and Kiwi Kyle Smith. 

Talking about his rise to the top of the Rankings on the eve of this Saturday’s third T100 Triathlon World Tour race in San Francisco, Sam said: 

“It honestly feels really good. 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.” 

Looking back at his commanding win in St. George, which earned him a month-high 92.85 points score and saw him finish over 7 minutes clear of the field – enough time to pause mid-run to kiss his partner on the cheek – he said: 

“St. George was a fun time. I was totally in my element and racing for fun and with the family watching me there. I was able to enjoy the entire run with such a comfortable lead. It was one of those days where everything came easily and I honoured my abilities, my team, and everyone who supports me with a big win.”

Thinking ahead to this weekend’s challenge in California at the San Francisco T100 and what it would take for him to make it onto the top step after second places at the first two T100 races of the season in Miami and Singapore, Sam forecast: 

“I just have to keep focusing on my own process. 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,” he added with a wry smile.

A panel of triathlon media that includes Global Triathlon Network (GTN), Triathlete, Triathlon Magazine & Tri-Mag.de vote 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. Sam received 11 points, with Emma 9 points and Kyle 7. 

The broadcast for the San Francisco T100 will begin at 0545 PST in the US, with the men starting at 0600 and the women at 0645. For details of how to watch and start times around the globe visit: https://t100triathlon.com/san-francisco/pro/ 

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For Further Information: 

Anthony Scammell E: [email protected]

About Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO)

The PTO is a sports body that is co-owned by its professional athletes, seeking to elevate and grow the sport of triathlon and take it to the next level. The T100 Triathlon World Tour is the new name for the PTO Tour and has been designated by World Triathlon as the ‘official World Championship for long distance triathlon’. It is a season-long schedule of eight T100 races during 2024 that will be competed over 100km (2km swim, 80km bike and 18km run) and will feature the world’s best triathletes going head-to-head in Miami (9 March), Singapore (13-14 April), San Francisco (8-9 June), London (27-28 July), Ibiza (28-29 September), Lake Las Vegas (19-20 October), Dubai (16-17 November) and at the Grand Final (29-30 November). There will also be racing opportunities for amateurs at all the events, including the new 100km distance at six stages, including: Singapore, London, Ibiza, Lake Las Vegas, Dubai and at the Grand Final. The global broadcast shows the races live around the world in 195+ territories, courtesy of the PTO’s partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery as well as a range of other international, regional and local broadcasters.