Sky is the limit for Bermuda, says Don - Royal Gazette

Tim Don, a four-times International Triathlon Union World Champion, believes the potential for the sport to grow in Bermuda is limitless.

The three-times British Olympian and former Ironman world-record holder was the special guest at the National Sports Centre yesterday as he passed on his experiences and expertise as part of the World Triathlon Bermuda Kids Coaching Clinic.

Having seen a strong crowd of youngsters brave the adverse conditions to take part in the clinic, organised by the Bermuda Triathlon Association, Don is confident that his beloved sport’s popularity and profile will only continue to grow on island with events such as the RenaissanceRe Kids Duathlon and hosting of the MS Amlin World Triathlon Bermuda in April.

“I’m lucky that my job allows me to come out here and pass on my experiences to the next generation of triathletes,” said Don, who is close friends with Bermudian triathlete Tyler Butterfield.

“Triathlon is already pretty big here and it has a real chance to grow even further by getting more young people hooked on it.

“We want to show young people that it is all about trying. Why not try and not succeed then not try at all and never know. I tell people all of the time that you’re better off trying and failing 100 times then never trying at all.

“It’s such a great sport and if you can get the community to buy into it like it appears to have done here then there are no limits to where it could go. To see it first hand on such a small island is just phenomenal. If I can inspire one or two kids that they want to get into triathlon then everyone is a winner.

“There is a real chance with the events being here that it can have a huge impact on the sport and on the island, it’s a great partnership.”

Don also believes Bermuda is a the perfect destination for professional and aspiring athletes alike, to hone their skills.

“There was a chance in 1999 for me to compete in an event out here, but I opted for Stockholm, so it is great all these years later to finally get out here,” Don added.

“When you fly in, the island looks relatively flat, but I’m telling you from cycling and running around, it is definitely not! I didn’t think I’ve rode or run on a flat road since I’ve been here. We’ve swam in the sea everyday and you’ve also got that humidity; it seems like an ideal place to train.”

The World Triathlon Bermuda Kids Coaching Clinics will be held every second Sunday until the MS Amlin World Triathlon Bermuda in April. The sessions aim to encourage more children to try the triathlon and to build confidence for racing.

Future clinics will be at 10am on Sunday March 10, 24, April 7 and 21 for approximately an hour each. The RenaissanceRe Kids Duathlon will take place the day before the MS Amlin World Triathlon event on Saturday, April 27, which will feature Flora Duffy, who stormed to victory in last year’s race.

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