Dave Scott, His Career, His Coaching, Training, Covid and Amazing Insight

Boulder’s Dave Scott ran his first Ironman in 1980 and finished in 9:24:33, nearly 2 hours faster than the previous win, with ABC Wide World of Sports broadcasting the event from Kona for the first time. Scott’s time and approach is widely considered to have changed the Ironman from a test of endurance to a race. Scott returned in 1982 and finished second. In 1983, Scott won in what was Mark Allen’s first Ironman. In what would become a renowned rivalry, Scott would win three of the next four Ironmans over Allen.

He was the Roger Bannister of triathlon… the first person to go under 10 hours, 9 hours and 8:30 in Kona. Dave Scott’s personal triathlon journey paralleled the early history of the Ironman Triathlon.

Bob Babbitt, Triathlon historian & Ironman Hall of Fame inductee

Listen to the podcast Here: 303 and Dave Scott

Scott has stated that he is most proud of his performance in 1994. Another second-place finish, Scott was 40 years old at the time so his race was considered to be a revolutionary feat. Two years later, Scott finished fifth overall. 2001 was his last foray into the Ironman. The 47-year-old Scott had back problems due to some last minute bike changes, which forced him out of the race.

Ironwar

In 1989, the rivalry between Scott and Allen reached a peak in what has alternately been called the “Ironwar” and “The Greatest Race Ever Run.”[5] Scott has stated “I never focused my goals on Mark Allen or what I had to do in the swim or the bike compared to Mark Allen. Ultimately, the competition level sometimes dictated that. After many years of racing, in 1989, we had a very very close race. It seemed like we were bouncing off of one another. It was influenced by our competitive natures.” Allen ultimately won with Scott placing second and both broke Scott’s course record.

Dave talks about taking care of your heart and the damage that can be done with regular long hard workouts.