IWC Schaffhausen

What is your greatest challenge in training?
My greatest challenge in Triathlon has been trying to be versatile. In a sport that is very specialized, I have really tried to show that winning races of all distances and formats is possible. I have a huge difficulty competing in humid conditions so understanding how my body responds and what needs to be done to get the best out of myself in these conditions has been key. To win the Ironman in Hawaii as many times as I have was a difficult thing. Sports scientists told me that my body was not able to compete in a race like this. My physiology was not right for it. So trying to find solutions to this problem and then believing it was possible when everyone told me it was not has been my biggest obstacle. I have found people are exceptional at telling you what you can’t do, not what you can.

What has been your greatest accomplishment to date?
Two time Ironman Hawaii World Champion – A race that every sports scientist I worked with told me I would and could not ever win. I should stick to racing Olympic distance races and go for Olympic Gold. Since I was a boy all I ever wanted to do was win Hawaii. So winning this race, when everyone told me it was impossible, was a very special thing. My greatest accomplishment.

How do you ensure you find adequate time for training?
It is a lifestyle I lead, so finding training time is easy. My life revolves around exercise and health. I see myself as very blessed to be able to live this healthy, competitive lifestyle and more than anything discover the boundaries of what I am capable of doing. Nothing in the world can test you like Endurance racing. It is addictive.

What is the best advice you can give to anyone competing in a sporting challenge?
Never set limitations for yourself. You are capable of anything. Enjoy your journey. It is a personal adventure that is extremely rewarding and you should embrace that. Have fun, dream big and go for it.

What drives you and makes you passionate for your sport?
I am a competitive being and have been my entire life. I think my drive begins with this, but has evolved over the years as I have discovered more about myself. Right now I am driven by this selfish pursuit of understanding just how far I can go. How quick, how fast and how perfect. I am driven by my own desire to find my own perfection if that makes sense. Whilst people continue to look for limitations and tell me what is and isn’t possible, I will continue to find ways to excel further. I love this entire process. I am a process drive person not an outcome driven one. I continue to surprise myself with the races I am winning, and just how fast I am going. I love it!

Do you rehearse strategies, execution and feelings for every competition? Do you enjoy positive rivalries with opponents and teammates?
I love rivalries and I am a very positive person. I think anyone who knows me knows that this is a big part of my personality. I am a very cerebral athlete and believe this is my biggest strength. I am a thinker and a strategist. Rivalries are something that develop organically, but I am not one to shy away from this type of conflict. I think these can be very beneficial if you know how to control them. I am a huge believer in being visual and seeing what you want to achieve, being vocal about that and going after it. Sport is a selfish endeavour and winning even more so. There can be only one winner so in this very essence it is selfish. You can’t share first place. Once you truly accept that, and you go for it in this type of way, you have to be a little self absorbed. Visualisation, rivalries are great for you. You just need to never lose control of the driver’s seat. Always control your emotions and own your destiny. When you get nervous our self doubt starts to creep into your mind thoughts, you can easily be swept away with your own fears of failure and these, like cancer, can be destructive. Anyone who knows me will tell you that this is my biggest strength. My ability to remain controlled, focused and driven.

Do you draw lessons after every competition towards better performance?
You are constantly learning and you learn from every race you compete in. The key to learning is honesty with yourself and being brutally honest with your successes and failures. You need to put your ego aside and look at yourself. Every race is a learning curve and you need to take away from everyone you do. I am always learning. In fact I know when my time to retire will be when I feel like I cannot learn anymore. I do not see this happening for a very long time.

Do you think sport is good preparation for life?
I think sport is a metaphor for life. It shows you that every journey is not always where you think it will take you, and that obstacles no matter how big they seem, can always be overcome. They take time, and hard work, but if you continue to fight and push forward you can pass them. Sport teaches you how to deal with failures and I think in life, the sport person is a much more balanced individual as they are more in tune with themselves and their place in life. For me, I don’t think any sport can fully encapsulate life, but Triathlon and Endurance racing gets close. It is hard, it is different and has many variables. It asks of you more than you think you have to give, and it never ever stops testing you. No matter how many ironman races or endurance races you do, they all continue to test and hurt you. Just like life, they are unpredictable. I love it for this very reason.