Norwegian athlete with Changhua temple ‘victory cap’ visits Taiwan again

Norwegian athlete Gustav Iden rose to fame in Taiwan a few years ago, after winning the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in 2019 while wearing a cap issued by a temple in Changhua. After attracting a flurry of attention online, the athlete visited the temple, and was made honorary citizen of Changhua County. He has now made another visit to Taiwan, to explore the country, compete in a triathalon, and show the world the wonders of Taiwan. Our very own Stephany Yang has the details.

Greeting the Taiwanese media and fans warmly, this is Gustav Iden, the 2022 Ironman world champion and a two-time winner of the Ironman 70.3 World Championship. In 2019, he became famous in Taiwan after winning the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Nice, France, wearing a hat with the name of a Taiwanese temple in Changhua. Iden had found the hat in Tokyo and believed that it would bring him luck.

Gustav Iden
Norwegian triathlete
It has been an amazing few years ever since I found the hat. It has truly changed my life. It’s a special feeling when I take it on. It is also really special to see others wearing it because it makes me aware that I actually have an influence on other people. It made me realize that I have to do good, not only a good performance but also behave in a way that is respected by others. When I put on the hat I am actually really aware that I am representing not only myself and Norway, but also representing Taiwan.

Iden says he’s happy to see other people wearing the hat and that when he wears it, he not only represents Norway, but also Taiwan.

Many fans in Taiwan were excited to meet Iden. Some even biked all the way from Taipei to Changhua to get their own hat just like his.

Richard Tsai
Fan
A group of five friends. We went from Taipei and cycled all the way to Changhua to get the hat. We did it all in one day, so 230 kilometers.

Tres Stallworth
Fan
I am here to see the two world champions because I do triathlons. We all do triathlons. We really enjoy that they have come to Taiwan.

Klaus Neubeck
Fan
I was with them in Utah but because they were so fast I couldn’t get an autograph for them or take a picture with them. That’s why I came today. I have a hat from Utah where they were racing. I like this hat. I hope they can sign it.

Daniel Ray
Fan
I am just hoping that I can steal some speed from them. Maybe get some good luck and fortune and maybe get some training tips. And then, tell them how awesome Taiwan is, and I hope that they can come back to Taiwan more often and train here. Taiwan is really a perfect triathlon training country.

After his solo visit in 2019, this time, Iden brought with him another triathlon champion to Taiwan, Kristian Blummenfelt. Blummenfelt is a Norwegian triathlete and Olympic and World Champion gold medalist. During their stay, they tried local delicacies including stinky tofu and oyster omelets.

Kristian Blummenfelt
Norwegian triathlete
I think there is nothing that we have never tried. I feel like we have gone through everything. As you can see on the pictures. The highlight might be the stinky tofu because now I know I can eat anything.

Gustav Iden
Norwegian triathlete
Taiwan has become my second country. I am amazed every time I see some news from Taiwan. It’s so cool to be back here. The last time I was here, I was actually named an honorary citizen of Changhua County. It’s unbelievable how far the sport can take you. I never dreamed of this when I started my triathlon career. It was mostly because I love training. To experience the culture here in Taiwan has been unbelievable. Thank you so much to all the Taiwanese people.

As an honorary citizen of Changhua County, Iden traveled to Taiwan to explore more of the country and let more know people know about its beauty.