Normann Stadler
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Normann Stadler ("The Norminator") is a professional triathlete from Germany. He is the winner of the 2004 and 2006 Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii. These races proved after many years that the world championship could still be won with a very fast bike split and a slightly slower marathon run. He has been accused of cruising to a win on the marathon but his sub-3 hour time in 2006 was not far from the best (2:43:55 Sergio Marques) marathon of the day.
He is a member of the triathlon team Tri Dubai and his major sponsors include powerbar (nutrition) and Kuota (bike).
Although he was expected to do well in the 2005 Ironman, he withdrew from the race after suffering tire punctures. Frustration regarding the second flat of the day and a bleeding bee sting on the thigh prompted him to throw his bike off the road. It is not entirely uncommon for elite Ironman athletes to withdraw from a race upon losing mental focus.
In 2006, Normann returned to Kona to compete in the Ironman World Championships. Normann swam fast enough to exit the water only moments behind the race leaders and once onto the bike course, Normann managed to gain over 10 minutes on the chase pack. Excellent conditions allowed him to set a bike course record. Normann managed to stay ahead of Australian Chris McCormack even though he closed to within a minute on the marathon.
| Preceded by Faris Al-Sultan |
Ironman Triathlon World Champion (Mens) 2006 |
Succeeded by Incumbent |
| Preceded by Peter Reid |
Ironman Triathlon World Champion (Mens) 2004 |
Succeeded by Faris Al-Sultan |
