Henri Schoeman motivated to succeed at Tokyo Olympics
The 28-year-old has begun his preparation for Tokyo with some intensive training around Durban and the triathlon event which takes place on 27 June.
IN the build-up to the men’s triathlon at this year’s Olympics in Tokyo, Durban North triathlete, Henri Schoeman had pinned his hopes on shining for South Africa. At the 2016 games, Schoeman stunned the world to finish third and win a bronze medal to give South Africa its first ever medal in the sport of traithlon at the Olympics.
The 28-year-old has begun his preparation for Tokyo with some intensive training around Durban and the triathlon event which takes place on 27 June.
“It hasn’t been the best start to the preparations to be honest because in the last half of 2019 I was hospitalised and was out for four weeks which hampered my training. I was also struggling with an Achilles injury which I’ve had some rehab on. The highlight for me was getting married to my wife, Franzel. I took some time off to go on honeymoon and I’ve just now started feeling like myself before the injuries and illness. My dad, Joe, has been a great help as well and we’ve set out an intensive training programme in the weeks leading up to Tokyo,” he said.
Schoeman will also be doing a few selected races in the International Triathlon Union (ITU) series in the lead-up to the games.
“I’m possibly looking at doing four or five races for this year’s series before Tokyo. Competing in the series I feel is a nice marker to see where your form is. It’s also a chance for you to get fitter and it really tunes you up and you see which areas you need to work. I’ve been very selective in the races I’ll be doing this year. The one series race I will do is in Huatulco in Mexico. It’s going to be a very hot race and similar to the conditions in Odaiba Marine Park in Tokyo where the race is going to be held. I will also be spending two weeks in Phuket, Thailand, prior to travelling to Japan again to acclimatise and be fully fit,” he said.
Schoeman said he was looking forward to the event having had a practice run at the venue last year.
“Last year we all had a chance to race at the same venue and the course was great. The test event helped me familiarize myself with the seasonal temperatures and conditions that I can expect this year. I’m trying not to focus on the athletes around me and just focus on myself as the countdown to Tokyo begins. I obviously would like to secure a podium finish but I know it’s going to be difficult and there are still so many steps to take before getting there but my vision is to medal and make SA proud,” he said.
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