Confidence is never in short supply when it comes to Lionel Sanders. The outspoken Canadian believes he could very well be the best athlete in the sport right now – yet at the same time, he has fueled speculation that the upcoming season might be his last as a professional.
Sanders is set to open his 2026 campaign in March at Ironman 70.3 Dallas-Little Elm. From there, he returns to what may be his favorite – and certainly his most successful – race: Ironman 70.3 Oceanside.
Oceanside has been a cornerstone of Sanders’ career. In seven appearances, he has reached the podium every time and claimed victory on four occasions, including the past two editions. The California race has long showcased Sanders at his most dominant, blending bike power with relentless run strength.
Just weeks later, on March 28, Sanders will step up to the full distance at Ironman Texas, where he hopes to secure early qualification for the Ironman World Championship in Kona.
Whether Sanders can finally capture the elusive world title remains to be seen. He has twice finished runner-up at the Ironman World Championship. In 2017 in Kona, he was bested only by Patrick Lange. In 2022, when the IM World Championship was held in St. George, he once again finished second – this time behind Kristian Blummenfelt.
Last year, persistent injury struggles kept Sanders from competing at the World Championship, adding another layer of unfinished business to his storied career.
Now, a new video posted by Sanders has fans reading between the lines. He doesn’t explicitly address retirement, but the title – which includes ‘One Last Time’ – has sparked widespread speculation that 2026 could mark his farewell season.
