Entering my first PRO racing season was nothing short of a dream come true. After lots of training, setbacks, and smaller victories, I finally stepped onto the start line alongside some of the best triathletes in the world. The season has been full of emotions, challenges, and growth, and I want to share some of…
The highs, but mostly the lows
One of the biggest moments of my season was simply standing on the start line of my first PRO race in May 2024. It was surreal to know I had earned my place there, and while the nerves were humongous standing on the beach in Cesenatico while waiting for the starting horn, they were also a reminder of how far I’d come in the last four years. Competing at this level taught me just how much every small detail matters—from race-day strategy to the mental game during tough moments.
I remember standing on the start line of my first PRO race and looking at the other athletes. It was admiration for sure but I also realized at that point that they are no different to me. Normal people like anybody else who also fell in love with this sport and dedicated their life to it. They are people who also struggle to put their wetsuit on just like me before the start and then have to ask someone how the swimming route goes, even if they have it memorized, just to get confirmation or to speak to someone before the gun goes to get their nerves down a little.
If we are all the same then what sets us apart on race day? What is the one thing that makes someone swim 3 minutes faster than me and run 20 seconds per kilometre quicker? At this level, preparation goes far beyond fitness; it’s about strategy, recovery during training, nutrition, and most importantly mindset. I’ve learned how critical it is to listen to my body. Burnout is real, and ignoring early signs can take a toll on both performance and well-being.
Another key takeaway was the importance of mental resilience. In moments when the legs feel heavy, and the gap to the athlete ahead seems impossible to close, the ability to stay focused and fight through is everything. I confess, I wasn’t able to do this this year. I lost my head during the run in Cesenatico, when I saw my pace dropping I gave up and just switched to survival mode. It was even worse a week later in Austria where I wanted to end my race 300m into the swim when I wasn’t able to stay in the pack. I kept going, swam the whole 1900m by myself pretty much and the only thing I had in my head was when I was going to end the race.
I came out of the water that day and said to myself: “Ok, the tough part is over now, just do one loop of the bike and see how the legs are feeling.” Well that was one horrendous loops let me tell you. there were about five athletes that flew past me on the bike and I couldn’t keep up with then even with decent power. I completed the first loop and told myself again: “Let’s do another one and just see how much watts I can sustain for 60km.” Nothing significant happened on the second loop but I do remember specifically after riding 60km by myself that my mind told me to just stop in the transition but somehow I just kept going. Rode the third loop and completed the whole bike course alone, not overtaking anyone.
That was tough, the only thought I had was put the bike down in transition and end the suffering. I came to transition two put the bike down and ran straight to my run gear bag. I can’t really tell you what kept me going that day, what made me start the four loop run course even though I knew I wasn’t going to have a good run. I guess that is also the thing that separates elite athletes from amateurs. It’s the will to keep pushing and keep hurting. Every 5km loop I completed that day I told myself I was going to DNF after the next one because I was so mentally and physically tired. Only after the third loop I knew I was going to finish the race.
When I was racing as an amateur, my coach back then and everyone around me always said DNF is never an option unless you go out on a stretcher. Thank you, you’ve taught me well. I know there will definitely be more races and moments like this and I hope I remember this experience during those moments and I do just as the famous saying goes: “Just keep swimming.”
Looking Ahead
This first season wasn’t perfect, but it was foundational. My goal for the next season is not only to improve my results but also to truly enjoy the process—embracing both the highs and the lows.
To anyone starting out or dreaming of racing professionally, I’d say this: be prepared for the unexpected or even better, the worst, trust the journey, and know that growth often comes from the moments that feel the hardest.
This season was only the beginning of what I hope will be a long and fulfilling career. I’m excited for what’s to come, and I’m grateful for everyone who has been part of this journey so far.