Sam Laidlow pledges Ironman prize money to youth athletes

French triathlete and 2023 Ironman World Champion Sam Laidlow has announced a philanthropic initiative titled ‘23 for the future’ ahead of the upcoming Ironman World Championship in Hawaii.

Laidlow has pledged to donate his entire prize money from the Kona race to support young athletes. He has guaranteed a minimum contribution of 23,000 euros, which he will provide personally even if he does not earn prize money during the event. If his winnings exceed this amount, the full sum will be directed to the project.

The initiative aims to assist 23 young athletes between the ages of 10 and 16 who participate in swimming, cycling, running, or triathlon. Laidlow stated that the selection process will focus on the personal stories and dreams of the participants rather than their current performance levels or specific athletic achievements. He noted that his own success was made possible by people who believed in his dreams when he was a child.