Disqualified at Ironman 70.3 World Championships 

There is NO ONE else I would LOVE to see more win a major race than Lionel Sanders.

I'm 55 years old and have been an athlete for virtually my entire life, and one of the most remarkable things I've ever seen is Lionel complimenting an age-grouper on their race from the previous day, while serving a bogus penalty on one of the biggest sporting days of his life. He had to have been boiling over with anger and frustration at that point and his level of respect for the officials and kindness to those around him is phenomenal!

The grace in which Lionel handled the penalty tent is actually astonishing. To think of the time and effort put into trading for this event and to handle a ridiculous penalty in the heat of the moment like that is truly impressive and shows the type of character he has. Much respect!

Bad times reveal people's true character and I really admire the way Lionel handle the situation. He said he is super angry but the interaction in the penalty tent shows no anger. Truely a world class athlete and a great character! You never fail to inspire!

Lionel, the reason why so many people are invested in your journey and appreciate you as a human and respect you as an athlete because you are so transparent and do show your emotion during this recap and even the Chartier stuff. It is incredibly endearing. Keep your head up, you are the best and I believe will still continue to improve as you are resilient!

I was a big fan, but after seeing the way you handled this, especially at the tent, I became a huge fan of yours. You sir are a gentleman. Hats off to you

I feel like I have often followed in your footsteps; in this instance sadly history repeated itself from last year. I feel so many emotions for what happened to you and wish we could see some change

That was a hard watch. I think your DQ was completely unfair as do all of us. Your maturity and calmness is an example to others I know it must’ve hurt real hard. You are an exemplary human and we love you x

notice how Lionel never showed or talked about the video of kristian crossing the center line! And he still managed to get all his valid points across. verry honorable

Such a class act and proud that you are Canadian. The way you interacted with the people in the penalty box was remarkable. I don't think your career is ending (and athletes like Heather Jackson are reimagining what retiring from triathlon can look like anyway). Tear up that course in Michigan! :)

Lionel, your kindness to the race staff and fans in the penalty box was just remarkable. Not a lot of people would be capable of that sort of self-control in such a horrible and unjust situation! Your quality and witness as a good man is on display: keep it up!

Thank you for being such a wonderful role model and human being Lionel. I have so much respect for your reaction, explanation and owning this experience. I’m so sorry events unfolded the way they did, and I hope that the amazing Triathlon world gives you as much respect and support as you’ve given us over the years. Let’s see some positive change and forward movement now. Take care

“Why do you care so much” Only fools are asking this question mate. You were robbed plain and simple. Your attitude is incredible, you would have finished top 5 and in my mind you did. Great swim by the way, keep pushing.

Please have a beer or 2 on me. It's ok to be emotional, that was a lot of work to go down the drain.

It’s okay pal, you should be emotional, it’s your livelihood. Ironman needs to step up, be better and apologize. The PTO IS THE NEW STANDARD.

The truth is in triathlon the referees didn't know very well the rules, we have plenty of examples in last year, but my heart goes with you Lionel. You're such an inspiration for me and keep me motivated when I saw your dedication. Just keep going, I'm sure you'll be where you wanna be soon.

Still being extremely cordial and friendly to officials and fans even after learning about the DQ. Pure class!

Lionel is a gentleman and a true professional, on and off the race course. Setting a high standard for Pros and truly inspirational for age groupers.

Hearing Lionel say “Bert, I was right f$&king there man” is absolutely heartbreaking.

Absolutely gutted!! Can't believe how calm he remained... I would've been fuming!!! Curious to see if IM will be consistent and enforce "imaginary center lines" in Nice...

I stopped watching the race when the excitement of LS charging through the field ended.

Made my kid watch this as an example of pure f@&$king class! How you handled this is enough to make you a winner and someone to look up to in LIFE, not just triathlon. Go into the next race knowing you’ve won more than just any race. You’ve won deep respect and admiration and competing to your fullest at Michigan puts an indelible stamp on it! Go get it Colonel!

You were so kind to the fan addressing you! Well done in that situation it’s not easy to do that.

Ironman is such a joke, they let 90 year old motorcycle driver crash into competitors and try to hide it in the broadcast so they can get more suckers to sign up for their events, and then they dq their most popular athlete for breaking a rule that clearly doesn't exist.

Not giving Ironman another dime until they fix their policing and race coverage

This really upsets me Lionel, hate seeing you hurting like this. Sending positivity 👊🏻

Love Christian saying bad boy as he’s having a bad day. He’s just got a lot of character and doesn’t let it get him down and can still joke around. Same with Lionel.

I love the passion. You're the reason I am doing my first Olympic distance tri next summer and going longer from there.

Lionel, I know this race felt like a loss but the grace and poise and compassion you showed in the penalty box is a great testament to your character and a bigger win than whatever the results say. Congrats on handling that setback like a true champion

Devil's advocate here... The road was not a one-way and the instructions very clearly state that you must abide by the regular traffic laws. If you were driving your car, would it have been legal to use the "left" lane at any point, even if imaginary? No. This is always especially enforced on sharp turns, exactly where your violation occurred. Looking at the GPS, you were not "slightly" in the other lane but totally crossing over, so the official stating that a accident would have been unavoidable is entirely correct. I don't think this justifies a DQ but had you protested correctly, I believe the official would have granted a penalty. Great attitude and sportsmanship were displayed regardless of the unfortunate outcome.

When you said you were going to chase Kristian, you made me feel your love for the sport and your "colleagues". Hats off.

Anyone who crossed an imaginary midline during the World Championships, please raise your hand and disqualify yourself to demonstrate the level of hypocrisy of this ruling.

Damn Lionel, what an impressive attitude

Lionel you’re an inspiration. I competed at 70.3 worlds as an age grouper this year and would not have been there without your videos. Completely unjust penalty, but I am in awe at the grace with which you handled it. Continue to push to make the sport better!

This video is exactly why you have such a loyal following Lionel. In spite of the unfairness of the whole situation, instead of looking for people/something to blame, you focus instead on how you could have responded better. That’s true grit & growth mindset. We are all devastated for you. You were totally in the mix & to lose that opportunity to post an incredible result is heart wrenching. But there are so many positives to be taken from this race. Can’t wait to see you in Taupo, NZ!

His green shirt is twisted almost exposing a nipple. Was this deliberately done as was crossing the center line and unfairly gaining advantage?

This feels so unfair! Keep your head up! Bigger things are yet to come

I'm crying like a baby... You are such an inspiration. It's thoughts of you and your determination that keep me fighting my journey.💚

Yup…you were the only reason I was watching that race. Been following for five years since I started this sport and you continue to inspire me. When it gets tough I ask myself if Lionel would give up. Nope. So I keep on going. Thanks you. Your best years are ahead.

Listening to you and getting emotional. You deserve everything and even more #HERO

Love the way you interacted with the age group athlete in the penalty tent. You could have been an ass, but you chose to chat with her. You are amazing and I am excited to see what you do next. Class act!

Oh Lionel! You are so inspiring and it is so sad 😢it happen to you at that particular place and that particular movement.. sometime this is just bad luck, but you honest reaction and reflection is so touching! You made this sport - you dedication and passion made so true!! You should be proud of your achievement and contribution. You are great among greatest athletes of your generation! I wish you keep going.. pls do it for sport, do it for yourself, do it for us followers of your talent! Cheers Champ!

bro, I rarely comment , but I have to say! congrats for being honest , and showing how you feel ! that's the kind of thing people respect! So good vibes for you and bring it on Michigan!

"I didnt ride on the left" .... *immediately describes riding on the left*

You are such an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your story! Your vulnerability and honesty is your strength

He was well prepared and this race was redemption for him after a season or 2 of disappointing results. Being robbed like that would be tough to not feel emotional.

wow - just wow. Report states that you "intentionally" and "FRAUDULENTLY" sought a competitive edge. The accusations here basically are stating that you were "cheating". Which doesn't get much stronger than that. I'd be rethinking how my relationship with that organization will be in the future.

That DQ was absolutely unfair. Mad respect for how you handled the entire situation. You are a stellar example to all of us athletes.

all triathletes are with you Lionel!!!

Why you care so much??Because you are a VERY FAIR racer!!!! So it hurts!!! It hurts ME to watch you being hurt… It was not fairly treated. I am so sorry this happened. We so love you as an athlete. You inspire us so much. Please move on and show us how amazing you are. You are such an inspiration. Thank you Lionel!!!

They buildt the course, if they deamed that section too dangerous to pass, close that section to passing. Dont let an AMATEUR refferee judge the fate of a PRO trying to earn a living. You took the safest line! You would have gotten a penalty for drafting other wise! Can you not SUE them??

Wow. The grace he handled this was the epitome of good sportsmanship.

Respect, considering the amount of frustration and anger you must have, this is a classy video of a true sportsman. Stay on course, every sport needs athletes like you!

In Lionel we trust

You handled this with way more grace than I ever could have and I think I’m relatively level headed and calm. Sucks that this happened to you, hopefully you still have a podium or two at the world champs in the future 💪🏼 all the best from Finland

I’m still stunned by all of this. I soured on IM awhile ago and this is a capper. Lionel is one of the best ‘things’ to ever happen to triathlon. ❤

What about kb that crossed the actual line on their coverage!! You are a huge inspiration to many and we’re headed for a top 5!! Keep up the great work

I know we aren’t trying to blame anybody here, but it does bring up feelings of anger and I don’t know where to direct them if not at IM and the officiating. Completely ridiculous call, and would have loved to see Lionel have the race he deserved, finally

Love the honesty and passion! You’re such an inspiration 💪

This is the best part about triathlon. The sportsmanship and attitudes the top athletes have is just so amazing. Great video Lionel. So sorry for the terrible call but God has great plans for you. Keep on being awesome!

Beautifully said Lionel. This was an unjust decision and the report was covering up their failings. Your performance was immaculate and we’re excited to see your form in the next one

What a tremendously good example you are for your son - for all of us, of course, but especially for Levi.

Wow. just wow. you seemed so positive in the tent (confused, not angry). Keep your head high, and go crush it in Michigan. We are all behind you.

If you would not have crossed the center of the road, then you would be inside the box of the athlete and then get e penalty. So basicly, according to the ironman rules there was no possibility to overtake other athletes on that road. And they should have made it a no overtaking zone. So the organization punishes the athletes for their mistakes. Still love following you Lionel. Try to turn this to something that makes you stronger, how unfair it seems atm.

Absolutely gutted for you dude. This just plain sucks. Looking forward to a few more good battles with no nonsense coming up soon.

damn, that sucks! hard lesson to learn. hopefully you can use this a a good lesson. you did something outside the rules, and that has consequences in races like this, unfortunately. you even said it yourself; after you heard the whistle you knew it was for you, and that you were getting a penalty. having that instant recognition that the whistle is for kinda goes to show that you were already aware that the pass you made was not entirely legal... though i *could* be wrong there. i know in a race sometimes you are not thinking completely clearly, given the intensity of the riding involved. :3 much love Lionel! i love your videos ^w^ im sorry you got DQ'd :\

Lionel, you are a great sportsman. I wish you all the best to overcome this unfair decision very quickly

Absolute bollocks these DQ's ... imaginary line wtf. So much hard work to be DQ .. not even a penalty ... this is not good for the growth of triathlon

What. A. Guy. Thank you for being so real Lionel. Love the emotion. How you managed to keep talking after the initial choke-ups was really impressive hahaha. I bet this video makes much more of an impact than it would have if it ended differently. Such good character to aspire to

Maybe you are looking at the GPS track and trying to reconcile it with your memory of your ride, and it may not be fitting. Don't drive yourself crazy. You can't use your Garmin GPS track as evidence (You seem to show it, that maybe YOU DID cross the centerline??🤔) GPS tracks are not accurate enough to show which side of the road you're on. Without "smoothing" being done either on board the device in real time, and/or post-activity, the track would be sloppy and show you off-road, cutting corners, etc. I'd demand video or photographic evidence of a violation, if I were you! I've never done such a high profile tri, so I don't know how it goes, but I've heard about all their rules in Ironman and others, and it seems like they suck the fun out of it. Don't forget to zip your jersey up! Don't want to get banned for life! 🤨😕

I feel very sorry for you. I hope your experience leads to change. IM really needs to professionalize their referees.

The Ironman 70.3 North Carolina bike course was changed last year. There are a few sections on the course that are "no passing" to prevent crossing the center line, crashing on drawbridges, and while making sharp turns on overpasses (someone flew over it dropping 50 feet in 2021). Why is Ironman doing this at some races and not others? A no passing zone should have been in place on this narrow winding road in Lahti. It would have totally prevented the DQ because you would have known this and made the pass right after this section. I'm so devastated for you, Lionel. A Top 5 was right there! This sport will break your heart a million times but it also is one of the best sports in the world.

Hope this setback is finally behind you and sorry you had to go through it, it’s completely unjust. Your a huge inspiration and role model to the community as well as to me personally. Keep doing what your doing, defiantly good things to come. Looking forward to watching your next race! Big hug!

Brave and passionate video - huge respect. Emotions, you are a great human. Outstanding... For me, aside from the ridiculous judgement of imaginary lines, a big point of outrage here is that the penalty tent don't know what penalties have been given - surely it's easy to radio the penalty in? I saw a blue card riding at IM Tallinn a month ago and wasn't sure if it was for me or not. Went to penalty tent & they didn't know. I had to choose - stay for 5 mins and then go, or go and risk DQ if the card was for me. I stayed as I didn't want DQ, but found out afterwards, there was no penalty! Frustrating to say the least. Was 8 mins off the poduim, did it make a difference? Hmmm... then this. Much sympathy with LS - ridiculous.

I have the chills listening to you. The raw emetions... You are 1 of a kind.

IM is giving themselves a black eye with this. Also, we need more information. Where is the ref who gave this penalty from? Are they local? How much training have they had? How many penalties did they give out in this race and others compared to other referees? How many racers knew about the imaginary center line rule? This was a world championship, man. What a petty, rule-mongering, small-minded penalty to give out

Lionel you’re a hero!!! You gave us more motivation & inspiration to overcome tough situations as humans. You are a gift from God to inspire us. Thanks

Hey Buddy, I feel your pain... but I also see you reaching out. Please ask yourself... Who are you? What are you here for? And more importantly, who are you here for? Apologies for the over analysing, but some people care.

Well said Lionel. It’s not easy. You have every right to feel emotions. You are one of the hardest working athletes and you pour your whole self into everything you do. ❤

2 things my observation and intuition are telling me: 1. no, there wasn‘t another rider in the center. You just cut the corner. 2. you clearly recognized that red card and just played dumb afterwards. Grow a pair and be a man next time. Men stand for their actions, boys don‘t. These are the lessons to learn from this experience. Btw: you could sleep and be calm and collected if you had grown some balls.

Long time viewer, probably never commented... Lionel you're inspiring me and certainly many other athletes. To always give our best, through adversity, still pushing our limits, find our weaknesses and smash them with training. Keep it up, we'll still follow you when you'll be racing with a cane. Or when you'll stop racing❤

I've been a fan of yours for quite some time and can't get enough of watching you and Trevor. Your eating like a bag of shi$$ video was my wife's favorite as she couldn't quit laughing. You've got such a disciplined, no excuses head on your shoulders its easy to see why your a fan favorite. After watching you interact in the penalty box, giving kudos to the age grouper, interacting in T2, and still finishing the race, your a champion brother. You've got the heart, work ethic, tenacity, testicular fortitude, your a freaking champion and will be world champion soon! You have some fans from south Mississippi cheering you on. Best of luck!!

i was so furious about this dq. this is absolutely bullshit and shook me to the core. i know in boxing and other combat sports judges are corrupt and/ or scoring poorly, but thats like you cannot pay for judge to score poorly so your athlete wins. Hope world will hear and this was the last ever mistake like that in our sport.

Sounds like the ref needs to go back for training….and Ironman shouldn’t be so unmindful about their rules. “Don’t cross the center line, there’s no center line”. Maybe they should tell the motorbikes to follow that rule? Considering they had a collision in the past.

Huge props for the attitude you have come away with…you are such a light of positivity in the sport of triathlon. Thank you 🙏🏻

PTO… Please sign Lionel up for next year asap, Ironman don’t deserve to have pro athletes racing that dedicate their lives to this sport. Ironman take everything and give very little back. What a joke, time and time again…

Quite ridiculous, hundreds of hours for 1 race and they DQ for this. Where as other sports, football, tennis, competitions almost weekly and all sorts of bad sportsmanship and they do rarely DQ.

Bottom line is he’s a pro. He needs to know the rules. How many others were DQ’d that day for the same reason? I suspect none putting the blame on Lionel 100%. He will learn from this and improve.

We are still with you Lionel. Youre an inspiration! Im doing IMWI in a couple weeks and youll be a source for me to keep going!

Looks to me like you were DQed for violating a non-rule and that the officials doubled down on their unfairness by attacking your integrity as a competitor. Apauling.

Dude super congrats to you. You’re def top class and no sane person would say otherwise. But I think you were making huge improvements and I’m ready to see you take this fuel and grind out some more wins!!!!!

All referees should get a Insta360 cam and mount them on their helmets. Make all images public. Accountability is a hell of a way to make them do their job better.

WE love you, dude. So sorry for this crap situation. Really hope for the best for you and the best outcome.

I’d like to see IM apologise. It profoundly devalues the brand. I’m a fairly rubbish age grouper and I’m entered in IM Italy in a few weeks but after that I’m giving IM a miss till this sort of thing is sorted out. Go Lionel.

This is gonna be good

There should be NO CENTERLINE RULE if the road is a closed single lane narrow road. Period

Hi Lionel. You are an exemple for me, i'm so sad for you and so proud of you at the same time. Your reactions makes you greeater once again. Don't give up and continue to inspire us

LS and Talbot will make more money from this video than if he had won the race. And I’m cool with that!

Been following you since the first videos. You made me start exploring triathlon and saved my life similar to yours, so thank you for that. You didn’t deserve that. I’ll will always cheer for you Lionel. I hope the best for you and your family. #Nolimits ❤

Rules are rules and ignorance of a rule is not an allowable excuse. But when a ref gives you a card, he should be required to radio in the call stating the card color, the infraction and the athletes race number. ALL rules should be thoroughly explained in the pre-race briefing.