[3] Lieto grew up in Danville, California and later began his athletic career playing collegiate water polo at Long Beach State University.

After a disappointing race career in 2005, Lieto chose to return to work as a mortgage broker while still continuing to train.

Lieto said that returning to work "...helped me balance the time and focus I put into triathlon.

"[4] Since 2003, Lieto has steadily worked up his finishing place at the Ironman World Championship: 13th in 2003, 18th in 2005, 9th in 2006, 6th in 2007, 18th in 2008 and 2nd overall in 2009.

Lieto currently resides in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii with his wife Karis, son Kaiden, and daughter Kayah.