“People do not follow titles, they follow courage.
If you will just lead them onto the battlefield, they will follow you.” - Bravehart

The Blazeman Spirit Award (BSA) recognizes an individual who has learned to overcome obstacles and became stronger through hard work and determination, inspires others to become a better person, leads by example, and has a passion for the journey of life. If you know someone who is registered for the 2008 Eagleman Ironman 70.3 and exhibits these qualities, then please nominate them for the award. Nominations are due no later than 5:00 pm (EST) on May 16, 2008.

Click here for the Blazeman Spirit Award nomination form.

The winner will receive:
• A complimentary 2009 entry to the Eagleman Ironman 70.3
• An Eagle Award, certificate, and the emblematic symbol of Eagleman called “Blaze”
• Complimentary Ironman level membership to Team Blazeman which includes a Blazeman Warrior uniform (tri-top and tri-shorts), tech shirt, t-shirt, Blazeman Warrior visor, WarOnALS waterbottle, tattoos, and information sheet on the Blazeman Foundation and ALS.

2007 BSA nominees: Andrew Urion (winner), Brett House, Melissa Merson, Pauk Schaye, and Brett Sheldrake

Andrew Urion was nominated by his wife Alexis. Below is her nomination essay.

When we met in 2001, all Andrew talked about was completing a triathlon. He had a solid running background but didn’t own a bike and couldn’t swim. In 2002 he completed his first sprint triathlon. A mere two years later, he finished Ironman Florida and was hooked.

Almost exactly two months after completing that first Ironman, Andrew suffered a stroke and was hospitalized for four days. MRIs showed scar tissue on his brain indicative of two prior strokes that he had no knowledge of suffering. Test after test was performed to determine how someone so young and healthy could suffer three strokes, but all tests were inconclusive. We still do not know why it happened… or if it could happen again.

Although I hated running with a passion, I signed up immediately for the San Diego Rock & Roll Marathon through Train To End Stroke. Throughout 3.5 months of training, Andrew was my biggest cheerleader. Two days before the race, Andrew surprised me by showing me his registration confirmation; he had registered for the marathon without telling me – and without training – and ran by my side the whole 26.2 miles.

A week later, he completed his second consecutive Eagleman race, again without training. Missing Eagleman that year simply was not an option.

Andrew’s profession is personal trainer, and he recently completed a triathlon coaching certification. He is dedicated to the sport and to his clients, encouraging each of them to be their very best.

He is my hero.