All this week we’ll be looking at the most influential people in triathlon. Yesterday we focused on Challenge CEO Felix Walchshöfer. Today it is a man they call ‘the sage’: Craig Alexander.

Craig Alexander is the most dominant athlete of his generation with Ironman world titles in 2008, 2009 and 2011 to go along with a pair of Ironman 70.3 world championships. The victories, paired with his humble, introspective demeanour, have earned Alexander the undying admiration of many ascendant pros that look to the Australian for guidance and support. While his performances diminished in 2013, the influence he holds over other professionals is stronger than ever. He coached Olympic medallist Lisa Norden through her first year racing long course and has long mentored a slew of athletes including two-time Kona champ Mirinda Carfrae and 2013 Kona runner-up Luke McKenzie. “From the days we shared a tiny apartment in 2003 on…