Inside Triathlon: Congratulations on your win today. How does it feel to win your first race of the year? Were you expecting this?

Leon Griffin: Thanks very much. The feeling is a little surreal at the moment. This race wasn't one I was targeting because it's so early in the year, but as they say, "A win's a win," and it doesn't matter who, what or where and I'll take it for sure. It opens my 70.3 account and I hope there are plenty more to come. I certainly wasn't expecting to win because I've had limited running in the build up, about three weeks to be accurate, so this was going to be one of those building races. I must say, though, when there is no pressure to win or even place, you enjoy the race more.

IT: Your '07 season by most accounts was disappointing for you, as you were plagued with injury after injury. Does this win mean you are now healthy?
LG: Yeah, to say 2007 was a disappointment would be an understatement. It was terrible. I just never got a run on. I was back and forth to Australia for personal reasons, which really disrupted any momentum, but it couldn't be helped. When the injuries did subside, I went too hard, too fast - like a bull-at-a-gate whilst training in Boulder, and this put me in a big hole that I'd dug for myself.

It's taken me three months and plenty of PT, osteopathic and chiropractic work to get my back problem to a position where I don't have much discomfort. It really makes me appreciate the good weeks when the body doesn't feel like it's a hundred years old.

IT: How does this win compare to other top results you've had in your career?
LG: It's definitely up there. The world duathlon championship takes the cake but this probably ranks a close second. What made it a little more sweet is that my girlfriend, parents, siblings, other family members and a whole host of friends got to see it live rather than hear all about it via phone or e-mail from the other side of the world.

I'm at a point in which I am reflecting on the good and bad about the sport and where I'm at and fit within that - as many people do at the end of their season. Whereas in the past I would have wanted to sulk and maybe throw in the towel, I am now motivated more than ever to prove to myself and anyone else that my one-off world title was not a fluke. I really want to turn things around and get the results out of myself that only I know I'm capable of. That will be in 2008 - the start of bigger things to come.

IT: After the Ironman world championship 70.3 in Clearwater, you went back to work at your bank in Melbourne, Australia. Does this help you balance out your training plan?
LG: Yes and no. I basically had no choice. The bills have to be paid somehow and triathlon certainly hasn't paid them lately - this is a calling for any interested sporting agents. Initially a few years back I saw the worth in gaining some corporate experience to add to my university finance degree that I have completed, but at 27 I'm not get any younger and would like to have a crack at squeezing out my true potential, so to speak, before being bogged down with a job, wife, 2.5 kids - that's the average down here in Australia - and all the rest.

On the flip side, it is a good balance and helps to recharge the batteries. I've always said that living, breathing, eating and sleeping triathlon is dangerous because it's such a small world to be wrapped up in. I definitely don't love it so much that I'd be training to match the legendary Dave Scott at 50-plus years with the training sessions he still knocks out.

IT: Last year you spent eight months living in Boulder. What are your plans in 2008?
LG: I was down on myself in 2007 and I thought I was done with the States. I signed a contract to race triathlon and duathlon with Team Mulhouse in France. However, I wasn't completely happy with the deal. And then it started to eat away at me that I was trying to run away and hide from my failures. And the more I thought about it, the more I was determined to return and make it work for me in the States. I have built up some very small sponsorship relationships, race director relationships, and can now say I have many friends in that States, and it occurred to me I would be stupid to throw it all away and not capitalize on what I had worked so hard to establish. That's the hardest part for us international guys - just getting the ball rolling.

So, back to Boulder it is and the U.S. racing scene in 2008. I love the place. This year there will be no 40-hour round trips back and one-month stays in Australia during the racing season. At some stage I would like my girlfriend to join me, but we will be looking for a location that allows me to train 12 months a year and her to work for a corporation that will help her develop her business career.

IT: You beat some impressive racers today [February10] [including Luke Bell, Chris Legh and Mitch Anderson] What does this do to your confidence in yourself?
LG: I've always enjoyed the underdog tag so the big hitters never intimidate me. Without sounding arrogant, I've always felt it was just a matter of when, not if, I can battle it out and often beat these guys week in and week out. I don't need a lot of good luck, just no bad luck! But they are great competitors. I know Luke and Chris were not 100 percent today, but then again either was I. Mitch just needed another two hours biking and another half to the marathon. This guy is like a diesel engine - he just grinds away for eight hours at a time in Ironman competitions.

IT: Geelong is an hour away from your home in Melbourne. How did it feel to win in front of your friends and sponsors?
LG: It was incredible. I had at least 75 percent of the 10,000-strong crowd screaming out words of encouragement for me the entire race, which was awesome because it was a three-lap bike and a three-lap run course.

I have some fantastic local sponsors, my main one is CBD Cycles, the biggest bike shop in Australia - think R&A or Nytro in the States - and Gravity-Zero wheels which could make huge inroads in the US with its cluster mechanism that lock instantly , Cervelo Bicycles and Skinfit. But best of all was having my girlfriend and folks there - my biggest supporters in the lean times as well as the good ones.

For more on Griffin, check out http://www.LeonGriffin.com.