Matthew Marquardt crushed his rivals earlier this month to win IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025.
But it was something else that made it even more special – and even though it was nearly midnight before his day finally came to end, he says he would do it all again in a heartbeat.
After crossing the line in first place in the Pro race, Marquardt stayed on to wait for seven of his “friends and mentors”, who were doing their very first IRONMANs, and handed each of them their medals.
“Moments I won’t forget”
In an emotional Instagram post, he wrote: “When you win Lake Placid then get to medal 7 of your friends who just became an Ironman ??
“I couldn’t have asked for a better day. I finished around 2:10pm then got home around 3:45pm. I couldn’t stay long because there were people who I promised that I would meet at the finish line. I had friends cross the finish line almost every hour from 5:00pm to 11:30pm. I basically never left and would do it again in a heartbeat.
“Crossing the finish line first was incredible, but these are the moments I won’t forget. ❤️”
Marquardt, who is also a medical student doing a full-time research job, also revealed how he manages to find the time to reply to hundreds of messages from well-wishers online.
He posted: “10+ hours and still responding to every message ❤️? Thank you ? You all are amazing!!
“And know that if I haven’t responded yet, I will!! There are still about 150 texts and DM’s to go as of 6:30 Thursday morning…
“You might wonder why I take the time to respond to everyone. It is simple… In medicine we have a saying that every person has a story and to always listen to your patients…
“And because fans are the backbone of this sport. Without them there would be no pro triathlon so responding is the least I can do to say thank you.”
