Some of my favorite portraits of the striking characters that inhabited the world of triathlon in 2013.

All photographs © Timothy Carlson

Liz Blatchford had reason to leap for joy in 2013 – capped by her 3rd place finish in her Kona debut.

Dave Scott could be proud of his coaching in 2013 – Eneko Llanos for his two big wins the first half of the year and Rachel Joyce for her strong 2nd place at the Ironman World Championship.

Team TBB mates Caroline Steffen and Mary Beth Ellis at Kona before the split.

Paul Ambrose in zinc.

Andrés Castillo of Mexico in Cozumel.

Aussie! Aussie! Aussie!

Tony DeBoom, the founder and co-boss of Endurance Conspiracy, adds to his sketchbook.

Three-time Ironman World Champion Craig Alexander coached 2012 Olympic silver medalist Lisa Norden for much of the year.

Brett Sutton, coach of 7 ITU World Champions, an Ironman and an Ironman 70.3 World titlist, as well as innumerable Ironman and World Cup champs.

Rising long course stars Jeanne Collonge and Romain Guillaume at Kona.

The beautiful and talented Jenna Parker.

Ken Glah after his 30th straight Ironman World Championship finish.

Katie Button of Canada before the start of the XTERRA World Championship in Maui.

Hot pink hair at the Kona Underpants Run.

Natascha Badmann, still a strong contender at age 47, at the Kona Parade of Nations.

Two kids in the pool at the Slowtwitch Kona Party.

Josiah Middaugh, the XTERRA U.S. Champion, at Maui.

Valentina Carvalho at Boulder Creek.

Mexican triathlete Ruth Nivon Machoud on the beach at Cozumel.

Portrait of Siri Lindley’s high energy Team Sirius squad.