Ultraman Florida got its start back in 2014, when triathlon coach Sway Lively and her husband Trung created what has transformed into an annual ohana reunion! Motivated after racing Ultraman World Championships, the Livelys brought together an incredible group of volunteers to make the magic happen in the Orlando area. Fast forward to 2017 when 2014 UMFL champ and triathlon coach Chuck Kemeny took over as Race Director. Continuing the tradition of ohana, Chuck brought Jen McVeay into the mix as Assistant RD, who eventually became Chuck’s Co-Race Director. Chuck retired as RD in 2022, leaving his legacy and big shoes to fill as Jen took over as sole Race Director for 2023.
The first Ultraman triathlon was held in 1983 on the Big Island of Hawaii, with the goal of having more than just a competition, but an event which focused on the guiding principles of Hawaiian culture…. “aloha” (love), “ohana” (family), and “kokua” (help). These principles continue today throughout all of the Ultraman branded events: a crew of 2 to 4 friends or family is required for each athlete who participates – – and those crews end up helping each other, and helping other athletes, over the course of the race. This culture of aloha, ohana and kokua is what makes Ultraman special. Athletes and crews become bonded for life, and many consider it a great honor to be a part of the Ultraman ohana.
We at UMFL are proud to be a part of the Ultraman ohana, and proud to be an official qualifier for Ultraman World Championships! Any athlete who officially finishes UMFL will be qualified to apply to race at UMWC on the Big Island of Hawaii!
