Local triathlete is selected for world champs
DUNKELD – He explained that in June he hopes to qualify for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship, which he would prefer to race instead of the Olympic distance event.
King Edward VII School alumnus and Dunkeld resident James Gerber (23) has qualified to race at the World Triathlon Age-Group Championships in August.
Gerber explained that he qualified for world champs after competing at SA champs in Bloemfontein, where he finished fifth in his age group.
He was surprised to hear about his selection for the Olympic distance event. “It was never really a goal of mine and I participated in the race due to not many others being held at the moment. However, looking back, I am very pleased and it has shown me that hard work really does pay off,” said Gerber.
He began competing in triathlon races in January last year and has joined the triathlon group Trifactri, under the coaching of Lucie Zelenkova ever since. “What I love most about triathlon is that every day is different. Juggling three different sports keeps the training interesting and exciting.
“I also like the fact that it’s not just about how physically strong you are, it’s a mental game too. When training or racing gets hard, I know I need to focus, shift gear and get my head in the game.”
He said that the distance he qualified for (1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run) is not his favourite, since he prefers tackling longer distances such as the Ironman and Half Ironman. “My coach calls me ‘diesel engine’ and I am certainly more suited toward endurance events.”
He explained that in June he hopes to qualify for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship, which he would prefer to race instead of the Olympic distance event.
Gerber currently trains between 21 and 25 hours each week, doing roughly 28-30kms of swimming, 80kms of running and 300kms of cycling, which he believes will be good preparation for world champs.
KES congratulates Gerber on this outstanding achievement and wishes him all the best as he continues to forge a path in the world of triathlons.
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