Q&A with Steve Larsen
You probably know Steve Larsen. He’s the guy who came from a background of road cycling, medaling in the Pan Am Games and racing for Team Motorola. He shifted over to mountain biking and won two NORBA National titles. Next it was time to excel at XTERRA’s, tear up the road triathlon world and cap off his accomplishments with an Ironman victory at Lake Placid. Then Steve took a little time off - if you can call being a father to five children and working full-time in real estate “retirement”. But ever the competitor, Steve’s passion for sports got the best of him and he recently announced his return to the professional triathlon circuit. Join us in celebrating Steve’s comeback as he tackles the 2008 Ironman Coeur D’Alene and beyond. Welcome back, Babbo!!
GU ATHLETE: Steve “Babbo” Larsen (it’s what my kids call me)
SPORT: Triathlon
BIRTHPLACE: Mountain View, California, 1970
CURRENT RESIDENCE: Bend, Oregon
WEBSITE: www.stevelarsenproperties.com
Proudest athletic accomplishment?
Winning my first Ironman – Lake Placid, 2001. Not losing a race for the rest of the 2000 season after being unfairly denied a spot on the Olympic MTB Team. “If you can’t join ‘em, beat ’em.”
Superstitions for training or competition?
Coffee, coffee, coffee.
What’s the most shocking thing a spectator has ever said to you while you were racing?
There have been plenty, but nothing hits home quite like “you suck”.
What characteristics do you most respect in your competitors?
I have the most respect for the ones that race from the front.
If you were not a pro athlete, what would you do professionally?
I own a Commercial Real Estate brokerage. Professional triathlon is my hobby/passion, but the suffering is more tolerable if I have the opportunity to be paid for it.
When you were a kid, what did you dream of becoming when you grew up?
Tour de France Champion, and now an Ironman Champion.
Song title that best fits your personality/spirit?
Renegade’s of Funk by Rage Against the Machine.
How do you reward yourself when you reach a key goal?
Good Pinot with friends, or signing up for another race and more suffering!
If you were a flavor of GU, which would you be?
Double, Double X: like my coffee drink of choice the double, double 8 oz latte.
If you were a contestant on Survivor, what would be your one comfort item from home?
Bug spray.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what flavor of GU would you want with you?
Roctane Blueberry/Pomegranate.
What’s the most creative way you’ve ever carried your GU?
On my chain. Not to eat, but to alleviate a squeaky MTB chain that was ruining my ride.
Personal causes you’re involved in?
Challenged Athletes Foundation, Operation Rebound, Mount Bachelor Sports Education Foundation.
Three things people don’t know about you?
I have five kids. I work at least forty hours a week running a commercial brokerage business. I am actually a nice guy if you take time to get to know me.
