My first introduction to triathlon was at age 10, being entered in the 2007 K-Town Kids of Steel Triathlon, where I’d end up swimming 2:43 for 100m, cycling 13:34 for 4.5km, and running 6:52 in 1500m. I wouldn’t do another until 2022 at the K-Town Long Distance Tri, where I figured I could 'do alright'. Knowing that I could do all three disciplines, my late Grandfather had mentioned it to me a handful of times through years past. Since then, I’ve had that reminder every time I’d watch an Olympic Tri replay on youtube, hear the name Simon Whitfield, or come across the odd video from Lionel Sanders… All it took from there was finally buying a bike in 2021, which I almost raced on a year later, thankfully knowing enough that I needed to buy a road setup at minimum, not just a CX, if I wanted to compete (obviously!). A couple quick informal lessons on basic swimming technique in the pool, and I was good to go (apart from costly gear), as I already knew I had the running background and fitness. 

From a young age, my athletic background was largely diverse, playing more than my share of sports - many recreationally, some competitively, and most constant of them all…running. From joining the running club at school in grade 3, to many school races along the way (including at Queen’s). It has been a rollercoaster of experience; I’ve missed years and seasons to injury, but have also seen things come back around, in helping Queen’s University Men’s XC team to USports Bronze from a 4th place individual finish in 2022. Running will always be that something that sticks with me and that I can go back to (a sense of home within sport). There have been plenty of humbling experiences along the way, and fortunately, some achievements I am proud of, too.

However, the achievements are not why I choose to take part in sports, or now more specifically, Triathlon. I do it because: 1) It’s fun and sports have been without a doubt the #1 activity on my list for as long as I’ve known, 2) I’ve been lucky enough to share the time and meet a lot of great people and learn a lot of lessons from them - both of which carry over to the rest of life, and 3) I want to learn more about myself in a way that challenges me to improve, live honestly, and believe in myself and others, with hopes that sharing my experiences might help someone in their own life and pursuits. In tune with this, I continue to help as an assistant coach with the cross country and track teams at Queen’s. 

Throughout the years there are many people who have inspired me and it's been great to learn about their stories or take pieces from their training and approach to try to implement into my own. Along with some of the inspiring people I don’t know personally, there are also some very real people close to me that I can’t thank enough for being there for me throughout the years and being exceptional supporters (These people know who they are! - Thank you.) 

I’m excited to continue training and putting my best into Triathlon for as long as I can.

Thanks for checking this out,

Mitch