litesleeper

Oprah to compete in 2012 Ironman World Championships
March 31, 2010
(AP)

Chicago - In a press release from Harpo Productions Oprah Winfrey, TV talk show host, has announced that after ending her television show this year she will begin intensive training to compete in the 2012 Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. The Ironman event consists of a 2.4-mile ocean swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2 marathon.
"After seeing how easy it was to run a marathon I am confident that I can be competitive in the triathlon," Oprah said on Wednesday.Oprah completed the 1994 Marine Corps Marathon held in Washington, DC, in 4 hours and 29 minutes. She is not planning to get special entrance to the event as a celebrity but to qualify in her age group. Oprah in her press release feels confident that she can complete the Ironman event in 12 to 14 hours. In the 2009 Ironman 1800 athletes had qualified and competed.
She will be assembling a full time coaching and training staff to work with her seven days a week in her preparation. Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps will be her swimming instructor, Spanish cyclist Alberto Contador will help with her cycling training and British runner Paula Radcliffe will aid in her running program. All of her preparation and training will be filmed to air on the Oprah Winfrey network in a reality series to start in June of 2012. The series will lead up to live coverage of her competition in Hawaii at the 2012 Ironman World Championships.
"I believe that my struggle in accomplishment of this goal will be an inspiration to all Americans that they can achieve their dreams " as quoted in the press release by Oprah.

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Chicago Al 

I have heard (being here in Chicago) that Lance is going to help her train, and better yet is going to loan her his bicycle, because as the title of his book has it, 'It's All About the Bike.' If she can borrow Paula Radcliffe's singlet, and Michael Phelps' Speedo, a win is assured!

leftturn

I thought it said " oprah is going to eat an ironman"

artimus

She might have to snack on one or two.






It is a long race.

Tundra_Man 

I was buying into this until I noticed the date.

kdawg

ya any one can acheive there dreams. if they have the money to train every day as a living and be coached by some of the best.

sirious94

wait how old is she? because even 50 year old winners are in the sub 10:30 range. How the heck does she plan to qualify?

Ti Guy

This was funny until somebody mentioned Phelp's speedo. Oprah in his speedo, I cannot get that image out of my mind.

Racingboo

Oprah Winfrey in Michael Phelps' Speedo. Now I can't decide if I'd pay good money to see that for the oh-my-god value, or to not see it for the don't-have-to-try-and-unsee-that value.