Always Stay Present: An Interview With Triathlete Martín Ulloa

Martín Ulloa is a professional triathlete from Chile. He recently finished second at Ironman 70.3 Pucon, Chile. It was a special day as he has been racing there for over 15 years, ever since he was a kid. 

We caught up with Martín to find out how his race went, why people need to compete in Chile, and how he has more tattoos than he probably should!

Hey Martín thanks for checking in with us. You had a great race in Pucon this weekend, how did it go down?

The race was a dream. All of Pucon came out and cheered and it was just a solid day for me. No tough moments really, Antonio was just quicker than me so it came down to just holding on to second place and enjoying the finish line. I HIGHLY recommend people come here to race.

Nice. You mentioned pre-race that you've been coming to Pucon for 15 years. Any memories from previous races?

This is a race that has been a part of my life for over 15 years now. Either racing the IronKids or just being a fan, Pucon has always been a part of my life, and racing there as a professional is truly something that I cherish and try to soak up as much as possible.

How were you introduced to triathlon?

My parents always had me doing sports after school since I was 5-6 years old. Swimming was one of them. My dad was an avid cyclist and one day it kind of just happened. My dad did his first triathlon in 2006 and I started that following Monday haha.

What is the triathlon scene like in Chile?

I think the best way to describe it is “growth”.

We had some great previous athletes like Cristian Bustos who came second in Kona and Barbara Riveros, but the current scene with Diego Moya mixing it up at the front of short course racing and a bunch of juniors coming up, is exciting!

On the amateur side, we are seeing a massive increase in the sport. Pucon 70.3 five years ago was a race that would bring around 800-900 athletes. This year there are almost 3,000 athletes who will be racing.

Why do people need to come train and race in Chile?

To be 100% honest, I would not look at Chile as a training destination per se, but Pucon 70.3 is by all means a race that everyone has to do. The whole town rallies behind this race and it is one of the best atmospheres I have ever raced in. The town during the run gets so loud that you can’t even hear yourself breathe, it is crazy. With the race being in January, it is a great way for people from the Northern hemisphere to break up the winter and come to enjoy the Chilean summer.

Looking back on last season, what was your highlight? 

Would have to say being in the top 5 at every race I finished. I feel like I did not preform as well personally as I would have liked but was in the mix for most of them.

Biggest learning?

Had some tough DNFs. Went through a rough patch of not feeling like myself and pulling out of races but I hated that feeling.

This coming year, I am finishing every race. Unless something out of my control prevents me from doing so like in Mallorca, Santa Cruz, and St George (mechanicals).

What are you working on for next season?

I want to get back to front pack of swimming. I know that’s were I am capable of being. I would love to learn how to race off the front solo, maybe try that out at some races this year, who knows haha.

In general, I just want to get better, go to amazing places, race the best people in the world and hopefully cash in some fat checks ;)

Biggest race in 2023?

I would love to race the PTO circuit this year. I raced well in Edmonton in my Junior days so I would love to go back and race in the Canadian Open. Apart from that, 70.3 Worlds looks amazing, and I'd love to have another crack at 70.3 Worlds after this year's disappointment.

What equipment do you love right now? 

Oh man, I am a sucker for swimming with snorkel. Anyone that had trained with me knows its scary how much I use it. I feel it makes swimming fun haha.

Favourite race?

Pucon 70.3 or St. George. 

Advice for overcoming mentally tough moments in racing and training?

Just focus on what is happening in that very moment. Once I lock into what is happening now and not what has happened or what might happen, things just get easier and clearer.

What's something about you people might not know?

Haha not sure, I love a good after-party and have more tattoos than I probably should. I have a degree in Sports Management and would love to work in the triathlon space once I hang up the racing side of things.