Multiple Ironman champion and 2009 Ironman World Championships runner-up Chris Lieto has announced his participation in the 2013 Israman Samsung, on January 25th.

Lieto will compete in the half iron distance course and will also will lead a community project with his charity organization "More Than Sport".

Known for his impressive abilities on the bike, Chris will definitely be the man to beat as the Israman bike course is considered as one of the toughest and challenging in the world.

Lieto said prior his visit to Israel "I am very excited to be racing and visiting Israel. I am not only coming to Israel to race, but also the hope is to inspire athletes and people to see the needs that surround us everywhere we go. So with our charity More Than Sport we hope to give back at the same time as we enjoy your beautiful country and race. As athletes we enjoy and race in amazing places and we want to give back and hopefully leave something good and lasting when we leave. We want to encourage athletes that will be competing to join us and race as a member of More Than Sport and raise awareness on how people can support and give back to your country."

Israman.com