Four weeks after his heart surgery Normann Stadler, 38, announces that he will not return to triathlon at the professional level, thus ending his professional career in the sport.
Normann Stadler: "I am flattered that so many people believe in my comeback. Nevertheless I know that I wouldn't be able to achieve a world class level again."
The athletic 38-year-old won the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii in 2004 and 2006. He is the only German who has won the prestigious race twice.
Following his 2004 Ironman World Championship, Stadler was expected to do well in the 2005 Ironman. However, he withdrew from the race after suffering three tire punctures and a bleeding bee sting on the thigh.
In 2006, Normann returned to Kona to compete in the Ironman World Championships. Stadler swam fast enough to exit the water only moments behind the race leaders. Once on the bike course, Stadler managed to gain over 10 minutes on the chase pack, setting a bike course record at 4:18:23 (26 mph). Australian Chris McCormack came within 71 seconds of Stadler but was unable to get any closer. Stadler received $110,000 for his win.
When racing in the 2007 World Championship, Stadler was forced to withdraw due to illness before the midpoint of the bike ride and was unable to defend the title.
On July 5, 2011, Stadler had a successful heart surgery in Heidelberg, Germany.
Achievements
1st Place Challenge Kraichgau 2010
1st Place Waldviertler Eisenmann 2009
3rd Place RömerMan 2009
4th Place Challenge Roth 2009
1st Place Maxdorfer Triathlon 2009
12th Place Ironman World Championship Hawaii 2008
1st Place Moenchshof Triathlon, German Championships Middle Distance, Kulmbach 2008
1st Place Ironman World Championship, Hawaii 2006
1st Place Ironman Germany, Frankfurt 2005
1st Place Ironman World Championship, Hawaii 2004
2nd Place Ironman Switzerland 2004
4th Place Ironman World Championship, Hawaii 2003
4th Place Ironman World Championship, Hawaii 2004
1st Place Ironman Australia 2001
1st Place Ironman Australia 2000
3rd Place Ironman World Championship, Hawaii 2000
4th Place Ironman Switzerland 1999
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