Andy Potts

ANDY POTTS

Colorado Springs, CO

 
 

Instagram:
@andy_potts

 
 

Specialty:
Triathlon (I prefer to run when already wet, so I swim and bike first)

Andy is a Triathlete, Olympian, Father, Ironman 70.3 World Champion, and the winner of more than 50 triathlons at every distance, always leading from the front. 

His athletic career began as a swimmer, where he earned a spot on the US National Team and a 4th place at the 1996 Olympic Trials in the 400 IM. Tyler then went on to become a 6-time All-American at the University of Michigan, where he also ran track. 

After starting to race triathlon in 2003, Andy made the 2004 Olympic Games, finishing 22nd overall. Since then, he’s been racing everything from Draft-Legal Racing to Ironman Racing, having won over seven Ironman Championships, 30+ Ironman 70.3 events, and becoming the Ironman 70.3 World Champion. 

Andy has been racing since 2003 and has no plans to stop anytime soon. The way he sees it, he’s got a lot left to give to the sport and to the community of triathlon. 

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Accomplishments:
  • Being a Father to 2 beautiful children, a husband to an amazing wife, and a son to two great parents. 

  • Going to the Olympics was a lifelong dream of mine that I will never forget. Here are a few things that others might seem noteworthy: 

    • Olympian 

    • Ironman 70.3 World Champion 

    • 4x USAT Triathlete of the Year 

    • Pan AM Games Champion 

    • 8x Ironman 140.6 Champion

    • 30x Ironman 70.3 Champion

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How fast do you think you could run a backwards mile?
 
4:50 while juggling. 😊  
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What is one of your most memorable non-competition runs?

When I was first starting off my triathlon career, my wife and I did a team adventure race at Copper, Colorado. I will never forget it because we needed to win the prize but still had so much fun doing something together. 

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If you had to pick one race or event this year that you anticipate will be your most proud achievement or moment, which one would it be and why? Do you have a special connection?

That is a tough one because I just love to race, and we really aren’t sure what races will happen in 2021. With that, I am looking forward to Ironman Brazil so I can go back to defend my title; Escape from Alcatraz, because I think it might be the most fun and unique race on this planet; and the IM1406 World Championships in Hawaii because any time you can race with the best in the world, it helps bring out the best in you and that is all I am ever looking for—finding my next best. 

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What is your favorite event to watch that you don’t participate in?

I love the Olympics. I love everything about the Olympics. Give me the Winter Games or Summer Games, it does not matter. I just love watching all of these countries and athletes come together, to perform at their best, on the world stage. 

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Do you have any quirky running habits?

I usually step twice with my right foot and then one big hop with my left foot.  

In all seriousness, I would say that I am notorious for starting slow and building my effort. This really throws folks off because they will bolt out from the gate and I just slowly bring them back over time, whether it is training or racing. 

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WOULD YOU RATHER:

 
Eat a slice of pizza mid-race or drink a milkshake?

Milkshake

Run on an empty stomach or a full bladder? 

Empty stomach - absolutely.

Do a beer mile or a milk mile?

Definitely a beer mile. 

Run in the freezing cold or the sweltering heat?

Freezing cold. I run in the sweltering heat all the time and being a bigger athlete, it makes it a little challenging. 

Be met at the finish line with your favorite beverage or favorite meal?

As long as my family is there, it doesn’t matter. 

Come across a snake or a rat on your run?

EEK- probably a snake. 

Run with a blister on your foot or a cramp in your side?

It doesn’t matter- everyone just needs to toughen up a little. 😊  

Give up core work or stretching and still stay injury-free?

Neither, but probably core work over stretching. I stretch 45-60 minutes every day. 

Run uphill in the first half of your run or the second?

Second half, let me warm up first.