From event press release.

Wisconsin native and returning champion Heather Gollnick continued her winning ways while Canadian Dave Harju claimed his first Ironman crown. Also competing were Timex Multi Sport Team members Uwe Widman of Germany and Marie Danais of Canada. The strong pro men's field was rounded out with perennial favorite Chuckie V, Torbjorn Sindballe, and Tim Luchinske. Competing in the women's race were Desiree Ficker and Amanda Gillam.

Perfect weather and calm water greeted all 1900 athletes on race morning. Harju and Widman led the men's field out of the water and quickly settled into their own comfortable cadence on the bike. The two rode together over the hilly, 112-mile ride forcing third-place holder Sinballe to play catch up.

Desiree Ficker lead the women out of the water as well as off the bike. Gollnick gained ground in second cutting the lead to just 3 minutes out of T2. Gollnick, who loves to run, found inspiration from her family and friends on the course and passed Ficker midway through the run. Her stride was perfect; her smile was big.

Sinballe, Widmann, and Harju rotated through top three on the run. Each took there turn at the front but only Harju could hold the pace. Tasting victory as he rounded the last corner, Harju''s pace quickened as the crowd cheered. The clock read 8:55:26 as he broke the finishing tape. Sinballe took second and Widman held on for third.

Keeping her pre-race promise, Gollnick executed three perfect cartwheels at the finish, each symbolizing her Ironman wins; Wisconsin 2002, Coeur d' Alene 2003, and one to please her hometown crowd. Gollnick took the title in 9:46:28

The Timex Multi Sport Team now prepares for Ironman Hawaii with twenty-five members scheduled to race on the Big Island. The race roster will include Andrea Fisher, Chris Legh, Jamie Cleveland, Lori Bowden and Heather Gollnick. Watch for pre race updates via email.

Ironman Wisconsin
Madison, WI
September 7, 2003

Men's results:
1. Dave Harju 8:55:26
2. Torbjorn Sindballe 9:00:56
3. Uwe Widmann 9:02:50
4. Petr Vabrousek 9:08:37
5. Terry Labinski 9:22:59

Women's results:
1. Heather Gollnick 9:46:28
2. Mary Uhl 10:06:39
3. Lori-Lynn Leach 10:20:30
4. Amanda Gillam 10:25:41
5. Robin Oswald 10:35:48