Lionel Sanders isn't giving up: he's back in training to give it his all at the IRONMAN in Nice.
Lionel Sanders He's not giving up. At 37 years old and after suffering two major injuries, the Canadian has confirmed that he's still aiming for his ultimate goal: win the World Championship HOMBRE DE HIERRO 2025 en Nice.
The Canadian, known for his fighting character and his motto #NoLimits, has been sidelined for nearly two months due to a stress fracture of the sacrum, after having also overcome gluteal problems caused by a possible relative energy deficiency (RED-S).
A complicated but promising 2025
Despite the injuries, Sanders has run only twice this year… and won both timesIt was at the IRONMAN 70.3 in Oceanside y St. George, where he showed that his level is still competitive when he is healthy.
However, the mandatory break kept him away from any preparatory races before the World Cup. He himself has acknowledged that will not be able to participate in any warm-up test, which will mean he arrives in Nice without competitive fitness.
Return to training with good feelings
The good news is that has already resumed running. In a recent post on InstagramSanders shared his joy after completing his first pain-free jogging and walking workout:
“I haven't run for nine weeks, but I'm back today. Eight reps of 9'8" jogging and 2'30" walking between each. Pain-free and feeling good!”
His return has been gradual, prioritizing recovery and rest like never before. He admitted that this period has allowed him to focus on a key aspect for any elite athlete: the dream.
“I've slept an average of 8 hours and 08 minutes per night over the past 8 weeks. It's the best quality of sleep I've ever had.”
Strength for the future
In addition, Lionel has seriously incorporated the strength training to his routine. “I’ve been to the gym about five times in 5 years, but this time is different,” he said. According to him, this habit will not only help him recover better, but stay competitive in the long term.
“I'm 37 years old and I want to stay strong for many more years. This time, it's not a phase. This is here to stay.”
Can he pull off a surprise in Nice?
Although the challenge is enormous, Sanders already knows what it's like to stand on the podium at the IRONMAN World Championships.: He was second twice, in 2017 and 2021.
This year the title is decided again in the French Riviera, where in 2023 Sam Laidlow was crowned world champion
The question remains: Will Sanders be in shape in September? Will he be able to compete against rivals who have had a thorough preparation? What is clear is that he won't give up easily.
