Monash Ironman heads to Hawaii
Ironman Triathlon champion Sam Dwyer will head to Kona Hawaii this October for a second year in a row to compete in the IRONMAN World Championships.
The Monash University Science and Engineering student is aiming to take out his age group this year after coming in sixth last year in Hawaii.
“To be able to race in Hawaii last year was a dream come true. To go back a second time and win the age group would be truly amazing,” Sam said.
“I have learnt a lot since Hawaii last year and knowing what the course is like is a real advantage. The aim now is to go as fast as possible and to continue to improve.”
Training for up to 40 hours a week, all while studying a double degree, has created a demanding schedule for Sam.
“It has definitely proved challenging at times, balancing training and studying, but, if anything I feel more determined than ever to make it all worthwhile,” Sam said.
After participating in his first IRONMAN event last year Sam has gone from strength to strength, overcoming injury and improving his results with each race.
Director of TeamMONASH™, Martin Doulton has described Sam’s dedication to his training and study as incredibly impressive, and a fantastic example of a very balanced juggling act.
“Sam is a fantastic example of an athlete who can demonstrate competing at the highest level, while maintaining a commitment to his studies. The hours are long and demanding but he shows absolute determination every time, Mr Doulton said.
“He is an outstanding member of the Elite Athlete Support Program here at Monash, and TeamMonash wish Sam every success in Hawaii, we have every faith that he will come out on top.”
Sam’s day starts at 5am and consists of two or three training sessions. This gruelling routine includes riding and swimming daily, regardless of the weather and when July comes around he will begin a specific program to train for Hawaii.
“Training over winter is a mental battle as much as anything else. My muscles need to be ready on race day and bad weather or cycling in the dark only make it mentally harder,” Sam said.
Trevor Vincent from Monash University Running Club has been an invaluable support to Sam, as well as CBD Cycles for his new top of the range bike.
