NEWSOK! Interview: The Bachelor's Andy Baldwin
Nov. 29 2007, Published 5:12 a.m. ET
He was touted as an officer and a gentleman on the 10th season of The Bachelor, but naval officer Andy Baldwin is also a committed triathlete. The 30-year-old, who proposed to social worker Tessa Horst in May only to break up a month later, has just participated in his fifth Ironman World Championships, which will be broadcast on Saturday on NBC at 4:30 p.m. OK! caught up with the hunk to get the lowdown on his grueling race and his take on love post-Bachelor.
Did you have any family, friends, loved ones cheering you on during the race?
Yes, some of my friends came over from Oahu to cheer me on.
How did you prepare for the triathlon?
I averaged about 30 hours of training per week, mostly on the weekends. And I did 100-plus mile bike rides around the island of Oahu and 20-plus mile runs. Long swims in the ocean. Lots of yoga.
Why did you want to compete in the Ironman?
I wanted to compete for the physical and mental challenge, the love of the sport, the people and being chosen to race for and represent the Navy on their All-Ironman team. This was my fifth time competing Ironman World Championships and the eighth Ironman I've completed.
How did your military background play into your training?
The Navy has instilled in me a sense of discipline and a devotion to commitment, honor and courage. It has helped me make it through medical school, dive school and, definitely, Ironman.
Want OK! each day? Sign up here!
You're clearly a competitive guy. Aside from a reality show and these sorts of competitions, does this quality come out in your daily life?
Actually, in daily life I think most people would consider me a laid-back kind of guy, who has the ability to be very focused and serious when he needs to be.
What do you think about the latest Bachelor's decision to not pick either of the two final women?
The most shocking rose ceremony EVER.
What do you now look for in a girl after being on the Bachelor?
I will stand by the Ironman motto: anything is possible.
Watch Andy take on the grueling Ironman in all his shirtless glory this Saturday at 4:30pm ET on NBC.
