Shannon Eckstein's refusal to not be defined by his sporting prowess is what separates him from the rest.
Eckstein only has to finish tomorrow's final round at Coolum to claim his eighth Ironman title and build on a career that has made him one of Australia's greatest sportsmen.
But he will not be characterised by his phenomenal ironman record in which he has had a podium finish in every race since his Ironman debut 12 years ago.
"I want to be more than just an ironman because it's not just about winning out in the water," Eckstein said.
"It's a little part of my life.
"I don't have any medals or trophies at home."
Eckstein, who won the first of his four world ironman titles at 18, said he is no longer motivated by just being the best.
He said becoming a husband and a father to his two-year-old daughter inspired him in different ways.
"When I was younger I was super dedicated and wanted to win and be the best but when you win your second and third title, you've got to find new things because motivation changes," he said.
"Family is the big thing for me these days and I've got to do it well to get paid.
"I tend to perform when I have to because I have got a lot of other things out there besides this."
Eckstein's female counterpart and ironwoman leader Courtney Hancock is no certainty to claim her third title tomorrow.
Hancock is just seven points in front of Liz Pluimers.
"I don't have that much of a lead and there's always an opportunity there for someone else, but, I'm in the best spot," she said.
"Liz has to go out and focus on a good race and also where I come.
"To come into the last round with any kind of lead is what everyone wants, but, it's always open and the way the points go, it can always change."
