Sam McGlone might not top the various media lists for 2006 Triathlete of the Year, but who had a better year?  She won six races. She won a World Championship (Ironman 70.3). She won a major short-distance race (Accenture Chicago). She wrecked one of the most established course records in the sport (Donna Peters’ 1992 Wildflower record). She was undefeated at races over the Olympic distance. She was 2^nd at New York, 3^rd at Minneapolis, and won in the heat and hills of Laguna Phuket.

In a sport that is becoming increasingly specialized, McGlone won major races at two of three distances. McGlone plans to up her repertoire next season with a start at the Ford Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Kona.  “I’ve always felt that I’m better as the distance increases and full-distance Ironman has always been the end-game for me,” said McGlone. “Racing in Kona in 2007 is a bit ahead of my intended schedule but I think the time and the circumstances are right to make the jump.” While time will tell if she can do the distance, McGlone seems to be another in a long line of oddities – Canadians who race well in the heat. On a hot day, in a hot place, she seemed air-conditioned while defending her title at Thailand’s Laguna Phuket Triathlon earlier this month.

With her Kona slot already earned by her 70.3 World Championship, Sam has the luxury of conducting business as usual for most of the 2007 season. “My 2007 schedule will look a lot like 2006 until August when I’ll shift focus to Kona” noted McGlone. “While nothing is set, I expect to race a few half-Ironman/70.3 races, The Lifetime Fitness Series, Alcatraz and possibly even some World Cup races. The question mark is whether I’ll go back to Clearwater to defend my 70.3 World Championship. The addition of Kona to my schedule doesn’t necessarily mean I’m finished with the Olympics. I might step back down in 2008 and try to make the Canadian team. I’m young by Ironman standards and there are plenty of years ahead for me to race in Kona.”

McGlone’s change of focus required her to make a careful assessment of her equipment. “Moving up from ITU racing to the 70.3 distance was quite an education in terms of equipment,” commented McGlone. While a number of equipment changes are in the offing, the big news is that McGlone has signed with Zoot Sports as her primary sponsor. “I want to be aligned with companies that are going the same direction as me and Zoot is a great fit. We both believe that speed is in the details and we are constantly looking for new ways to maximize performance. Zoot has its roots in triathlon and really knows the sport and what it takes to be the best.”  

Samantha’s multi-year agreement calls for Zoot Sports to be her primary sponsor and for her to race and train in the full range of Zoot Sports products, including apparel and the new Zenith Wetzoot.    “We are very excited to be working with Samantha,” said Eli Carlson, Director of Marketing. “Aside from being a talented athlete, she has a wonderful personality and an exceptional work ethic. Her drive and commitment to be a champion in the sport of triathlon is a perfect fit with Zoot Sports’ current and future plans.  All of us at Zoot look forward to the partnership with Sam and know that together we will build a bright future for her and Zoot Sports.”

Like Sam McGlone, Carlsbad, California based Zoot Sports had a record setting year for revenue and market share.   Zoot and McGlone share the same focus and commitment for the sport of triathlon, the same aggressive pace of success, and the same mantra that speed is in the details.