After stepping away from competition for two years due to multiple surgeries, 2020 Cinch Timed Event Champ Taylor Santos returned to the CTEC for the 2026 Ironman title for $100,000.
Santos breaks down his surgeries, recovery, months of rehab and the mental battle of not knowing if he’d ever compete at the highest level again. He shares how he decided he was ready to come back, the horsepower that carried him through all five events, how his wife stayed steady and encouraging and what the emotional win meant for his family after years of setbacks.
The Score’s Chelsea Shaffer caught up with Santos in the arena at the Lazy E after his second Ironman title.
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READ: Clay Smith Wins Round 4, Taylor Santos Takes Timed Event Lead