Kite Beach training powers Dubai teen triathlon record
Four years ago, Sridath Sudheer was confused when his swimming coach suggested he participate in a triathlon.
Incredibly, exactly four years later, on June 2, 2024, which happened to be his 18th birthday as well, Sridath achieved the impressive feat of finishing the Ironman European Championship in Hamburg, Germany, making him one of the youngest men ever to complete a triathlon event.
Triathlon, a sport that involves swimming, cycling, and running across different distances, is known for its extreme physical demands.
Those who are younger than 18 years old are prohibited from joining Ironman, which is considered as the toughest triathlon event globally.
I discovered that the 2024 Ironman European Championship falls on my 18th birthday while checking the date last year. Sridath said it was ideal for him and it spurred him on to pursue it.
However, getting ready for a difficult triathlon event, which is 226.2km long, was a massive challenge for a newcomer.
I began preparing for it at least half a year prior to the competition. He mentioned that despite the challenging nature of the training, being in Dubai makes it easier due to the great facilities available in the city.
The cycling and running trails available here are of the highest quality globally and do not cost anything to use. You are free to use them at your convenience.
Butterflies on the Big Day
Even though he was well-prepared for the major competition, Sridath experienced extreme nervousness before the Hamburg race started.
I experienced stress as a large audience arrived to observe the event. He mentioned feeling anxious at first, but once he plunged into the water, all the stress disappeared and he felt a sense of relief.
"Being skilled at swimming, I was able to maintain a strong speed and enjoyed the beautiful weather while biking." The beautiful roads, the encouragement from the crowd, it was amazing.
Sridath found the final part of the event, a 42.2-kilometre run, to be quite difficult.
The initial 30 kilometers went well, but the final 12 kilometers were the most challenging. I felt pain in my legs and was feeling low, but I continued to push myself and the sensation I experienced upon crossing the finish line was incredible. He said he had tears in his eyes.
Dream of participating in the Olympics
The athlete, born in Dubai, now aspires to participate in the Olympics and secure a medal for India, his birthplace.
Getting into the Olympics is a huge aspiration. He mentioned that the competition in Olympic triathlons is tough, therefore, he must put in a lot of effort to enhance his performance and earn enough points to compete in the 2028 Olympics.
I will begin getting ready for the Olympics next year. I am optimistic that I will continue to improve!
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