John Cannon: a big ambassador for triathlon

By JESSICA A. MUNDIE

© St. Petersburg Times, published April 19, 2000

PASS-A-GRILLE -- Last Sunday morning was typical for Tampa triathlete John Cannon. First, a 2.4-mile swim in the warming gulf water, past the pink landmark Don CeSar Beach Resort and back. Then, a series of fast runs around this peaceful beach town.

Typical "brick training" (two workouts sandwiched together) for a St. Anthony's Triathlon contender.

There is nothing typical about Cannon, a member of Team Clydesdale and the bay area's top Clydesdale triathlete. A two-time Hawaii Ironman competitor, Cannon knows how to go the distance.

Watching his massive arms turning over in an efficient open-water swim stroke (perfected at last year's 12-mile Swim Around Key West), it's easy to imagine Cannon's grasp of a football, or another player for that matter.

Cannon is a role model, a mentor, a coach. He used to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneer (defensive end, 1982-1990) and compiled many honors, including the Bucs' all-time leader for fumbles recovered; 1990 NFL Ed Block Courage Award; 1986 NFL/Miller Lite Defensive Player of the Year, and international goodwill ambassador for the NFL.

Honors aside, it is Cannon's warmth and enthusiasm that draw his many fans close to him. St. Pete Mad Dogs triathletes rally around him, checking out his custom Roark titanium bicycle after races. All are glad he stayed in town after retiring from the NFL.

"No question about it, John Cannon is my idol!" said Chris Hunter, 45, a Tampa firefighter who placed second in last Saturday's Escape From Fort De Soto Triathlon masters division. "John really shows what a big guy can do -- how fast a triathlete can go, even if they weigh over 200 pounds."

What exactly is a Clydesdale?

It's a big guy competing in divisions such as 180-185 pounds, 200-225 and 225 plus. Most race directors make the distinction between masters (age 40 and over) and the 39-and-under crowd. Cannon, 39, is 6 feet 5 and 237 pounds.

"This is my second season as a Clydesdale master," said John Doherty, 45, a 6-foot-11 carpenter and artist from Safety Harbor. "I know I'm going to get stronger and faster. But I could never in my wildest dreams ever beat John. He is amazingly talented. With my physical job, it's all about getting rest and remaining injury-free. John paved the way for the rest of us."

Big women, sometimes called Lady Clydesdales or Athenas, only have to tip the scales at 145 pounds or more. Last summer's Clydesdale National Championship in Chicago divided females into classes of 145-159 pounds and 160 plus, and masters and younger.

And as far as females are concerned, the success of overnight celebrity Judy Molnar (she finished Hawaii's Ironman and appeared on the Rosie O'Donnell Show at the urging of close friend and mentor Paula Newby-Fraser), sent Athena ranks soaring. Big gals became as competitive as the big guys.

One of the first Athenas in the bay area is still competing. She is Susan Puryear-Lynch, a compact, powerful, former competitive swimmer with Brandon's Blue Wave Swim Team before moving to Tarpon Springs.

Interest in Clydesdale racing grows, and Cannon gets much of the credit. Some look at his sub 6-minute run splits and his Olympic distance finish time of 2 hours, 2 minutes with disbelief. No race directors ever dreamed big guys could go so fast.

Cannon hopes his form will peak at the inaugural Clydesdale World Games on June 18 in Windsor, England. First, he will race the St. Anthony's Triathlon on April 30 and the Gulf Coast Triathlon in Panama City Beach on May 13.

A recent session with Bicycle Sport's John Cobb at the Texas A&M wind tunnel tweaked Cannon's cycling position to the most aerodymanic it could be on his new Roark. Hilly rides in Pasco County guarantee that his bike splits will be at the top.

"I played football since I was 10; I have always been able to run," Cannon laughed when asked about his run splits after winning last season's Clydesdale Southeast Championship (at the Gulf Coast Triathlon half-Ironman distance of 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike leg and 13.1-mile run). He finished in 4 hours, 44 minutes, miles ahead of second place.

"I'm so blessed to be able to have another sport after football," Cannon said, relaxing at a popular Pass-a-Grille breakfast spot. "My mentor, Bill Urbanski, introduced me to the sport. I walked away from football early enough so that I never got badly injured. I'm lucky to be able to do this. And now it's nice to be in the position to help other people."

A financial planner for Robert W. Baird, Inc., Cannon's day planner is full with such things as fundraising for Camp Good Kids, football coaching at Gaither High School, hosting the annual John Cannon Charity Golf Tournament, organizing the John Cannon Channelside 5K at the Ice Palace, and church activities.

Cannon said triathlons give him a platform to share his Christian faith with others, and he feels blessed with his talents. Sharing and helping motivate Cannon, as many triathletes seek him out for personal and training advice.

"I never want my competitors to have a bad day. I don't want to win if someone has a flat, for instance," Cannon said. "I want them to be the best they can be."

For further information on Clydesdale racing, or the inaugural Clydesdale World Games, check out www.teamclydesdale.com or call (317) 329-4691.

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.