Abu Dhabi: Professional triathlete Olivier Godart has hailed the merits of triathlon and says anybody can take it up — despite its gruelling image — ahead of an event in the capital on Friday.
Luxembourg’s Godart will be bidding to defend his TriYAS title at Yas Marina Circuit on Friday and is a passionate proponent of his discipline, which involves swimming, cycling and running.
This week he has been helping train local triathletes ahead of TriYAS, a sell-out community triathlon featuring 1,500 competitors.
Godart, who has won 30 triathlons in his career, told Gulf News: “Can anybody take this up? Yes, anybody can. Triathlon is a combination of disciplines, so therefore you do not need to be great in just one, you can make up for a difference in one discipline in another.
“In triathlon, the complete package counts, not the performance in just one discipline. That’s the beauty of it.
“If you want to get into it, start off with a short discipline race, like a sprint distance, so that the distance is not so overwhelming. Once you have done that, you can work your way up to longer distances.”
The two-time winner of TriYAS added: “Also, triathlon is a very varied activity: one day, if you are not in the mood for swimming, you can go for a run. So there is always something different to do.
“All in all, triathlon is a very rewarding activity that can be recommended to everyone.”
Godart, whose maiden TriYAS victory came in 2012, said his memories of last year’s event are ‘blurred’ and that he had ‘a brain freeze’.
He said: “I took a wrong turn in the swim and lost count of the laps. But still I overcame all of these obstacles and managed to win. Considering the circumstances, it was one of my best wins so far.”
“I am determined to defend my title.
“It is one of the major triathlon competitions in the UAE and the Middle East. It is held in an iconic location, the Yas Marina F1 circuit. The race is well organised, with a variety of distances to choose from. It is a great experience for everyone.”
Despite the event being a sell-out, friends and family eager to lend their support to those taking part can watch for free and the gates open at 11.30am. There will be viewing areas and entertainment, including live music, kids’ zones, climbing walls and other sporting attractions.
