The media sphere is full of comments on the upset of Canadian triathlon superstar Paula Findlay and her total breakdown on the run at the Olympic Triathlon. There can be blame, fingers pointed or speculation of whether she should have started but at the end of the day every athlete has to swallow each decision that they have been part of be it training, psychological work, injury recovery, sponsor work or a million other choices. Success often only comes at understanding the process that led to what feels like failure. The publicity of “failure” and the feeling of letting friends, family or your country down can feel crushing. What Paula has had to brave is what every elite or professional triathlete must go through – understanding their own body, their mental strength and weaknesses, ability to take on pressure and perhaps most important is allowing oneself to make mistakes to be stronger.  Some are lucky to find a support team immediately (coach, sports doc, therapists etc)  that keeps them on track.  Most though, go through a series of  professional relationships as the athlete evolves.   

When we look at current triathlon superstars there is always something in common. They have made mistakes, been injured, come back, kept going, believing and loving what they do. This has all taken tremendous time and learning.

Nicola Spirig – 21 years doing triathlon (2012 Olympic Champion)

Mirinda Carfrae – 13 years doing triathlon (2010 Ironman World Champion)

Melissa Hauschildt – 16 years of elite level running before starting triathlon in 2010 (2011 World 70.3 Champion)

Simon Whitfeild – 27 years since his first ever triathlon.  That is holy smokes phenomenal! (2000 Olympic Champion and still going strong in 2012)

Paula Findlay – Swimmer growing up but first competitive triathlon season in 2006 – SEVEN years

So should Paula have been on the start line? Was it pressure, injury, poor training or lack of tools to overcome mental hurdles? When do you pull out? I think only the athlete themselves can answer this honestly and it is often not easy.

Pulling out of Boulder 70.3

Three days ago I crashed on my bike while reviewing the Boulder 70.3 course. I had swum and run in the morning so got on my bike by noon. Afternoons in Boulder often have thunder, rain and high winds so I knew to get out quick and be back by early afternoon. Unfortunately for me I didn't get back soon enough. While riding my bike got swept out from under me by a gale-force wind. There was nothing I could have done to avoid it. I broke my helmet in two and fell very hard on my right side. Since then I have been to the chiropractor to get aligned, seen a sports doc, been icing, taking ibuprofen and smearing more Hylands Arnica gel on my bruised and battered body than I have in a year. I hoped I would be ok to race but I am not.

In the past I would have raced. I would have fought through the pain and thought I had to do it. It is not the Olympics but to me one last attempt at qualifying for Worlds 70.3 this year. But after enough experience to understand what it is like to race injured I will not go there. So I have to wait, let my body heal and be ready with a full heart to race the next one. August 19 Steelhead 70.3. I will be hungry.   

My best wishes to Paula Findlay as she recovers from all she has gone through.  Life awaits her with new perspective.  She will seize it with a fight and vigor she has shown thus far.