This year’s theme is He Au Hou i ka ‘Eheu o ka Noio (or “A New Era on the Wings of a Noio”).

According to Diana Bertsch, the theme is about “embracing change and welcoming new beginnings.” She wrote, “The Noio was an important bird to the Native Hawaiian sailor. The Noio is a land bird and typically travels no more than 40 miles offshore. If a Noio bird was sighted at sea, it was understood that new beginnings were ahead — land meant a new life. During times of change and new beginnings there is always hope in the wind and in the currents that carry us …”

After being forced to go digital in order to maintain access to broadcast TV, I found a new favorite station — Universal Sports. Through their ever-changing lineup, I have been able to watch coverage of a few of the past Ironman World Championships. Hearing the reasons the athletes compete, watching their incredible physical endurance, and bearing witness to their mental fortitude is almost always inspirational … and very often quite humbling.

My favorite athletes going into this year’s Worlds are Normann Stadler (38/MPRO) and Sister Madonna Buder (79/W75-79). To me, Normann Stadler represents the quintessential athlete. (It doesn’t hurt that he’s pretty easy on the eyes either.) Sister Madonna is a 79-year-old nun who hails from Spokane, WA, and the oldest woman ever to finish an Ironman.

The Ironman World Championship is this Saturday. Watch. And be inspired.

Universal Sports will broadcast live from Kona on October 10, 2009.