Sindballe, shown here at the 2008 Ford Ironman World Championships in Kona Hawaii, was a strong, determined and well-respected figure.

I was saddened when I learned from a photo colleague today that Danish triathlete Torbjorn Sindballe had retired from triathlon competition due to a heart irregularity.

The Great Dane retired Tuesday June 30 after determining medical evaluations by Danish doctors showed signs of complications from an abnormal heart valve. He had been aware of the abnormality since 2005 but maintained regular check ups to ensure his well being for racing.

We see pro athletes come and go. Some not so willingly and others whose bodies have had enough. As a photographer who often covers professional sports, there are always some athletes you are glad to to see ride into the sunset on their terms. Then there are those you wish United Van Lines would pick up in the middle of the night and transport to some God-forsaken place never to be heard from again.

Torbjorn was one of those athletes you always rooted for no matter the circumstances.  He was a most likable guy.

Off the race course he always had time to converse and my Swedish photo partner Tony Svensson at the Ironman Championships never had trouble pulling the fun loving, jovial side out of Torbjorn. It was riot watching those two tall , strapping Scandinavians  carrying on a litany of one liners in a mishmash serving of Swedish  and Danish.

Sindballe was generally in the hunt in competitions. He was always easy to spot in his trademark white competition attire. His facial expressions were always worth noting. Photographically he made great images.

I recall last year coming up on him as he was systematically and rhythmically grinding out the last six or seven miles of the cycling portion of the Ironman Championship. He was focused and resolute but for one brief moment he calmly rolled his head to the left, looked at me as I focused in on him and he gave me a soft “how are you doing” smile and then went about his business.

All I know is he will be a champion at whatever he decides to do going forward after leaving the solitude he embraced in the saddle, on the road and through the water.

The Dane clocks out at the 2008 Ford Ironman Championships finish

Sindballe trying to cool down along Alii Drive in Kona last year.

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