Ironman Kona – Heroes of Hawai’i: Embracing History

By Khem Suthiwan
The week leading up to the IRONMAN World Championship boasts a schedule full of so many amazing and fun activities for athletes and supporters alike. Last night the Heroes of Hawai’i event kicked off race week with music, hula dancers, and demonstrations of Hawaiian arts and crafts. One of the demonstrations involved poi pounding. Poi is a name given to mashed potato, taro, breadfruit, or banana that has been pounded to a pasty consistency with a stone tool usually made from lava rock. There were lei making stations and samples of lilikoi (passion fruit) beverages to be enjoyed. Among the various displays of ancient Hawaiian traditions were a handful of IRONMAN legends to include 6-time IRONMAN World Champions Mark Allen and Dave Scott, 8-time IRONMAN World Champion Paula Newby-Fraser, and the voice of IRONMAN Mike Reilly. The purpose of the event was an opportunity for the modern IRONMAN warrior to discover the secrets of ancient Hawaiian warrior’s athleticism and strength by learning about Hawaii’s past. Proof that racing in Kona is more than just about the race itself, but embracing and honoring the history of the heroes and the ground it takes place.