Q&A with Craig "Crowie" Alexander

A huge congratulations to Craig Alexander for winning the 2008 Ironman Triathlon World Championship! Craig ran a brilliant race, executing a perfect strategy of pace, power, focus and nutrition. One by one, he picked off his competitors and ran to victory with a three minute lead. Craig is the first athlete to claim World Championship titles in both the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 distances, and his career in long-course racing has only just begun! Congratulations Crowie!

GU ATHLETE: Craig "Crowie" Alexander
SPORT: Triathlon – 2nd overall 2007 Ironman World Championship; 2006 Ironman 70.3 World Champion
BIRTHPLACE: Sydney, Australia, 1973
CURRENT RESIDENCE: Cronulla, Australia and Boulder, Colorado
WEBSITE: www.craigalexander.net
VIDEO: View Craig Alexander's Interview Video

Proudest athletic accomplishment?
Winning the 2006 Ironman 70.3 World Championship.

What’s the strangest thing a spectator has ever said to you while racing?
At the 2007 Ironman World Championships in Kona, someone told my wife that I wouldn’t do well as I had not "done my time there," yet.
(Craig ended up finishing second.)

What characteristics do you most respect in your competitors?
Tenacity.

If you could do only one of your three sports, would you choose swimming, cycling, or running?
Probably cycling as the training is a lot more fun.

If you weren’t racing, what would you be doing?
Working as a physical therapist, but ideally I’d play golf and be a stay-at-home dad.

Song title that best fits your personality/spirit?
I Come From a Land Down Under ( Men at Work)!

If you were a contestant on Survivor, what would be your one comfort item from home?
A photo of my family.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what flavor of GU would you want with you?
Roctane, Blueberry/Pomegranate flavor.

Personal causes you’re involved in?
Athletes for a Cure which is attached to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, and I’m an ambassador for the KIDS Foundation in Australia which provides assistance and education for children and families involved in life-altering accidents.

Three things people don’t know about you?
I’m a softie at heart and a total pushover with my daughter. I’m a good singer. I play a mean round of golf.