Stefan Daniel's Search for 6 World Titles

Good morning everyone!

In today's edition, we've got a check-in with Canadian triathlon star Stefan Daniel, season-planning keys to 2023, and an inspiring Ironman who keeps beating brain cancer.

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Thank you for being here.

-Matt Sharpe, Canadian Olympic triathlete, current long course racer, and now, a newsletter writer.

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INTERVIEW

Interview: Stefan Daniel Eyes 6th World Title in 2023

Who is Stefan Daniel? Stefan is an elite triathlete who competes for Canada. His extensive resume includes:

• 🥈 Silver medal from the 2016 Rio Paralympics.

• 🥉 bronze medal from the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.

• 🌈 5(!) World Championship titles in the PTS5 category.  

Stefan's highlight from 2022?

• Claiming his 5th World Title after a period of post-Paralympic burnout.

• Competing in his first 70.3 at Ironman 70.3 Santa Cruz.

His off-season focus? 

🎓 Continuing with his education - a business degree with estimated completion in Fall 2023.

💗 Quality time with family and friends before another big season. 

Most anticipated race in 2023?

• 2023 Paratriathlon World Championships in Pontevedra, Spain. 

• Another professional 70.3 race or two if it works with his schedule.

Check out the full catch-up with Stefan, which includes what he’s working on for 2023. Spoiler alert, aero is everything!

NEWS

👩‍💻 Now hiring: Want to work for World Triathlon? They are looking to fill the roles of Paratriathlon Classification Coordinator and Junior International Administration Assistant. The former is remote, and the latter is based out of the office in Madrid, Spain. [World Triathlon]

🦁 Bear down: The University of Arizona announced the hiring of its first-ever NCAA Triathlon coach, Wes Johnson. Wes is the founder of Balanced Art Multisport and has been a coach for Team USA at the Paralympics and various World Championships. [University of Arizona]

⚡ Squad goals: Although long-time BMC team members have left the squad, 2023 will see new team members Lucy Buckingham (GBR) and Thor Bendix Madsen (DEN) join the iconic team. Tough to lose when Thor is literally in your crew. [endurance.biz]

👶 Newest triathlete: Congrats to American triathlete Matt Mcelroy on the birth of his son, Mick, on December 17th. We’ll be watching out for those extra #dadwatts next season!

TRAINING THOUGHT

2023 Is Going to Be Your Best Year Ever!

But also... It might not. But with a little planning, you'll be able to deal with anything that comes your way. Here are three ways to prepare a little better for next season ⬇️

⏰ Be time realistic:

Triathlon can be incredibly time consuming, be realistic in how much training you can manage within your life. 

• Try and find workouts that give a good return on investment for your time. For example, you won’t lose precious time changing a flat tire on the indoor bike trainer! 

😭 Manage expectations:

Injuries, travel hiccups, and unexpected life events can all get in the way of our big goals. 

• Acknowledging setbacks can and will happen to make them easier to handle when tough moments arise. 

🧨 Get fired up: 

Find races that excite you, and make you want to jump on the bike right now!

• Racing with friends is always a joy, and memories racing together are priceless. 

FAVOURITES

🧠 Never give up: Diagnosed with Brain cancer and only given six months to live, Ironman triathlete Richard Wright fought for himself and his family to beat back the disease not once, but three times! [Biznews.com]

💡 Bennet X Carson: Why do endurance athletes need to train like soccer players? And what is the magic ingredient(s) for injury recovery? Find the answers to these questions and more during this illuminating conversation between Greg and renowned strength and conditioning coach Erin Carson. [The Greg Bennet Show]

🧗 Noviceman: Iron Beginner to Ironman World Championship? GTN is trying to make that happen with its new video series. This should be super interesting to follow as the subject, Steve, does his best to juggle work, family, and training! [Global Triathlon Network]

GAME TIME

Which athlete came back from a devastating injury to finish second at this year’s Ironman World Championship? Reply with your response and name and we'll include it in the next email.

Our previous quiz asked who won the men's and women's Ironman World Championship. The answers were Gustav Iden and Chelsea Sodaro. Thanks to Kristine Plant who answered correctly, and also sent in an awesome photo from right on the race course.

COMMUNITY QUESTION

Have a burning question about triathlon or Ironman? Want to share a racing tip? Let us know and it could be featured in the newsletter. 

Are you racing this weekend? Or any epic training sessions? We'd love to hear about them! Send us your photos or a race recap, and we will feature them in next Tuesday's edition!

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