Blazeman Spirit Award

Michael Lahey was nominated by his friend Jay DeBerardinis. Below is his nomination essay.

Mike Lahey is a 5 feet six inch tall 100mph ball of positive "yes you can" attitude. Being built like a wrestler just means to him that 650cm wheels were invented for his small-framed tri bike.

For several years now, Mike has been channeling his energy and enthusiasm for triathlon into Team In Training. Mike is not only a talented and competitive triathlete, he also coaches the Eastern Shore Triathlon Team to very successful fundraising and athletic achievement. His sparkling personality and contagious excitement have drawn people to the sport of triathlon and LLS who may never have dared to venture into the world of multi-sport.

In conjunction with his work with TNT, Mike has been a central organizer for golf tournaments, cycling time trials, and just this past May 4th the Inaugural Nanticoke River Swim and Triathlon to benefit 5 charities including The Blazeman Foundation. 220 athletes participated in an incredible event inspired by friend and YMCA Masters swimmer Nancy Sterling who has been battling ALS for two years. Mike asked Nancy to read John Blais' moving poem about the Warrior Poet. He brought the energy and "yes you can" to a group of volunteers from 5 non-profits to pull off a fantastic event. Mike was the glue to focus a diverse group of volunteers. He's great with the details but greater is his gift for getting others to step out and go places they would not normally go alone.

Mike epitomizes the Braveheart quote about titles and courage. He could care less about rank and status. Rather, he gets satisfaction from watching his friends pull off a successful golf tournament or Triathlon for charity that few thought was possible. He'll crack a beer with you to celebrate when it's over, just don't toast him because he wants everyone else to get the credit.

As John Blais said, appreciate all the little things in life...it's the underdog who overcomes obstacles...and is still doing it. Mike teaches us to regard challenges and obstacles as just stuff in the way of the finish line. No big deal, just suck it up and block them out of the way. He drives people to raise money for important charities that save lives...he shows people how to believe in themselves, he trains to achieve is own personal best and he's even better at showing others how to do it. That's why I nominate Mike Lahey for this year's Blazeman Spirit Award.

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.