John Middlewick (40) keeps testing himself in triathlons and he is not set to stop anytime soon.
Before lockdown, the athlete was a winner of the recent Germiston Lake Trinity Sport Triathlon.
GCN previously reported on the standard triathlon which began in the water with a swim of 1.5km, with many racers pulling out and being brought to shore by the lifeguards as the cold proved too much for them.
Competitors then hit the streets of Germiston for a 40km cycle route and ended the event with a 10km run. Middlewick was the overall winner in a time of two hours, 12 minutes and 35 seconds.
He explained the race was not as well attended as it usually is.
“Some usual suspects were not there. This motivated me to come back and test myself against other athletes.”
The winner said he enjoys these races.
“It is always an unusual feeling knowing I am at the front.”
John was one of the first contestants to emerge out of the water during the vast race.
After finishing the icy swim he was seen hastily transitioning into cycling mode.
“Normally coming out after a hard swim, the body has to get used to being upright again. I thought that was hard.”
He has participated in the triathlon races for six years.
“I have always enjoyed endurance sports and grew up a swimmer.”
Regarding the Germiston Lake triathlon, he said it is great to have a well-run event on one’s doorstep.
“The course is great and well supported by the local municipality.”
John said he is definitely planning on participating again.
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“I think the journey and enjoyment I get out of the process and strategy needed for the triathlon is something I love.
“Highlights of my sporting career include racing in global races like the Ironman with amazing surroundings, and making new friends,” said the travel enthusiast.
“I want to continue to grow in the sport of triathlon and ensure it adds value to my life. I hope to continue to travel and visit new places and cultures while competing to the best of my ability.”
Growing up, John said he was privileged enough to have access to coaches and schools with good facilities in Randburg.
“Sport is a hobby for me, but something that is part of my active and healthy lifestyle.”
Although the avid swimmer did not participate in virtual races during lockdown he said he continued to train indoors and outdoors when it was permitted.
“Every person is different, but I love the energy and feel of a live race and virtual racing does not give me that.”
Speaking of his ‘new normal’, John found adapting to the new virtual work environments and economic challenges more stressful than anything else.
“I suddenly had back-to-back conference calls and so long days became the norm. I think the biggest thing I missed was getting to a swimming pool to train.”
During these Covid-19 times, he said everyone will have times where their focus needs to shift.
John explained his focus was on training at home, where he has access to a treadmill and a bike trainer.
“I train a lot during the week to optimise time between training and work.”
The athlete said he also loves to eat, which might be natural considering his training regiment.
“I also enjoy learning and investigating new technologies and what other countries and athletes are using to improve their sport.”
John works in the technology space and he is a certified coach at TriSutto.
He holds an MBA from GIBS Business School, a Bcom from Unisa and is currently studying for a BA in psychology.
Currently, the athlete is running a niche online store called Carbon Endurance, which offers endurance products to South Africa.
John shared a message of hope. “The races will return. Be kind to yourself and remember your long-term goal. It is not about the individual training days but the long-term consistency.”
John shared his five top tips to succeed and become a triathlon winner:
1. Sport must add value to your life, family and health. Do not detract from it.
2. Do not be scared to follow a long-term goal with small improvements along the way, there is no rush.
3. Learn from others and find your why. You must believe and understand why you are doing something.
4. You are an individual, what’s good for others may not be good for you.
5. Compliment others at all levels, not everyone has the financial means or time to dedicate to sport.
Have a story?
Contact the newsroom by emailing:Editor at germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, or Busi Vilakazi (Journalist) busiv@caxton.co.za.
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