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in memoriam - mike d. clark
The sport of triathlon lost one of its warriors on March 7. Mike Clark, aka Iron Mike, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away unexpectedly -- and much too early at age 51. Mike was a mentor, friend, multiple Ironman, avid runner and cyclist, and true advocate for the sport of triathlon. He welcomed and nurtured beginners despite being such a talented and accomplished athlete. He freely offered advice and his own war stories to remind you that everyone had been a beginner at some point. He always had a smile on his face... and a Coke in his hand.
In addition to his numerous other races through the years -- Ironman Florida, St. Croix 70.3, Eagleman 70.3, Timberman, Columbia Triathlon, Northeast Triathlon, more than 20 marathons including the Boston Marathon several times, and many, many more -- Mike completed Ironman Hawaii in 1984 and again in 2007. It was fitting that his final race was the one that he'd worked so hard to get back to.
Mike’s commitment to the community was as great as his commitment to his own training. He served as a Big Brother for several years and worked as an athletic director, program director, and finally grants administrator for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware over his thirty year tenure with the Clubs. All the while, he readily and unselfishly gave his own time, energy, and advice to help other athletes at all levels.
When my husband Andrew was first starting out in the sport of triathlon, Mike was the first person to invite him to training rides and encourage him. Later, Mike encouraged Andrew to join a more advanced cycling group, saying he had outgrown that original team and would be better served by training with the more competitive riders.
When my friend Jen shyly joined a regular Friday night swimming group, Mike was the one who encouraged her to jump in and share a lane, even though she feared she was far too much of a novice to join in.
When I was struggling during a long run one hot August morning, Mike added an extra mile and a half to his own hot long run to keep me company and convince me I could keep going.
When new Spinners came to his very advanced, hardcore Spinning class on Sunday mornings, Mike urged them to work at their own pace and not give up. One Spinner told me, "Mike is one of the reasons that my friend and I started taking Spinning class. Always filled with encouragement - regardless of your skill level; that's what set him apart."
Rest in peace, Iron Mike. You will be missed.