Legand v. Legand

There are several reasons that Doug Swingley and Jeff King are so interesting for Iditarod fans to watch mush. First, both have been serious contenders in the race since the early 90s when they started racing. Secondly, both over the last few years have had a hard time contending in the race, especially against the mushers from Norway who took over the race in 2003. Both mushers race, train & live sled dogs full time, this is how they make their living and it drives part of their competitiveness. And finally, a win for either musher would make Iditarod history.

Jeff King, while having one of the most visible sponsorships in the race (a sweet Cabela’s contract) is only a three time champion, not having won since 1998. Winning three times for most mushers would be a dream come true…but King is often lumped into the Iditarod legend category with the likes of Rick Swenson (5 wins), Martin Buser (4 wins), & Doug Swingley (4 wins).

Doug Swingley hasn’t really been a contender in the race since he won his third consecutive race in 2001. The next year Doug coined his “retirement tour” saying goodbye to folks along the trail, and marrying his wife under the finish line. The retirement only lasted one year, and after taking 2003 off Doug was back in 2004. Unfortunately, complications with a recent laser eye surgery forced Doug to scratch the race in Takotna when he almost froze his corneas. Last year Swingley had a rookie team and didn’t expect to lead the pack he did expect to gain experience and train his young team on the trail for this years race. A win this year (his fifth) would tie Swingley for most Iditarod wins EVER with Rick Swenson, and Doug said in an interview with Iditarod.com that he has given himself 3 years to make 6 wins total… We’ll know in just a matter of days what the headlines will be touting next year…