We've been thinking about Normann Stadler the last few weeks while doing our Kona Pro Rankings updates and just mentioned him in this week's update on Monday. We'll now we now what has happened. News today from the Commerzbank Triathlon Team is that 2x Ironman World Champion Normann Stadler has undergone heart surgery in Germany.
The double Ironman Hawaii champion Normann Stadler underwent heart surgery at Heidelberg University Hospital on Juli 4th. A failing heart valve and a nearby aortic aneurysm were repaired. According to his surgeon Prof. Matthias Karck and the triathlete's family surgery went well and Normann Stadler is on his way to recovery.
The Commerzbank Triathlon Team wishes Normann Stadler to get well soon. Athletes, Management and Sponsors of the team will give all their support to Normann Stadler and his family and wish them much strength in this difficult situation.
For the family's privacy we kindly ask you not to contact them within the next days. On behalf of Normann Stadler and his family we would like to thank you for your understanding.
An aortic aneurysm is a very serious condition if not treated, so it's great news that he took care of himself and had this identified and treated.
His racing schedule had him racing the Ironman European Championship in Frankfurt, Germany this month, but that's most likely out of the question now.
Back in 2010 we had a chance to talk to Stadler in Kona. We were scared and nervous to interrupt his pre-race prep days before the race but pleasantly surprised to find a gentle and content 2x Ironman World Champion to talk to. The greatest thing on his mind besides the race was the birth of his son. We talked about retirement from Ironman races and now that appears highly likely, we will just have to see. The good thing is he is on his way to recovery from a serious condition and now he'll have plenty of time to spend and play with his son. We wish Normann the best on his recovery.
