PHUKET: Ironman great Chris McCormack, Thanyapura Phuket's inspirational Executive Chairman, has again shown what a rare talent he is by producing a herculean performance at the Bintan Triathlon in Indonesia to claim both the Sprint and Olympic-distance titles - beating mostly much younger rivals and reaffirming his world-class credentials.
The 41-year-old four-time world triathlon champion, a winner of more than 220 international events, cruised to victory in the Sprint race on Saturday, May 17, before backing up a few hours later to claim the Olympic-distance race in even more impressive fashion.
He clocked 1hr 03min 55sec in the Sprint - a 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run, beating his nearest rival by almost two minutes, then produced a 2hr 03min 34sec effort over the Olympic distance - a 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run - to finish almost six minutes ahead of the next best.
You can only do what Mr McCormack has done year after year by conflating the mind and body so that every ounce of talent is harnessed. That is why Mr McCormack is the perfect person to steer Asia's leading sports training and educational facility, famed for its unique three-dimensional mind, body and soul coaching philosophy that elite athletes from around the globe are utilising in increasing numbers.
''I couldn't be happier with the way I performed,'' he said. ''It's extremely gratifying to know that, at age 41, I still have what it takes to perform at this level. Having access to Thanyapura's Olympic-standard facilities and world-class coaches, sports scientists, sports psychologists, dietitians, physiotherapists and chiropractors has undoubtedly prolonged my career at this level. That is why so many of the world's best athletes come here.''
Mr McCormack has now turned his attention to preparing to host the most advanced Triathlon Super Camp ever - a unique and highly personalised week-long training retreat for triathletes looking to peak for their 'A' race in the key September and October period, including the famed Kona Ironman World Championship.
The Thanyapura Super Camp is from August 23-30, with just 50 places offered for athletes of all levels on a first-come, first-served basis - guaranteeing a program devised by two-time Ironman World Champion Mr McCormack, who will lead the camp along with fellow Ironman legend Jurgen Zack, Senior Head Coach of Triathlon Academy.
''It's the perfect training block foundation for athletes looking to peak for their 'A' race in September and October,'' Mr McCormack said. ''I like to call it a pro fantasy camp. It's a camp that the pros will use in the build up to Kona (Ironman World Championship in Hawaii) and that triathletes of all levels can benefit from, learn from and get that closer to their race goals.
''I did the camp myself last year as an athlete. Anyone who's been to Thanyapura knows that we have elite personnel and facilities. We have Andrea Capellari, a mind conditioning coach to enhance mental strength and fortitude.''
For the Super Camp, athletes only need bring a bike, goggles and running shoes, and be prepared to push themselves to the limit over seven days of quality kilometres. New friends who share the same passion for the sport will be made, and, in many cases, expectations will be exceeded in this meticulously planned program.
There are multiple other reasons to sign on. ''We've got an outstanding strength and conditioning program, we do baseline blood work, we have arguably the best 50m swimming pool in Asia, probably the only 500m running track in the world and the riding opportunities in the area are ideal,'' Mr McCormack said. ''The hot conditions will prepare athletes to better handle Kona's stifling heat, and it's also a useful tune-up and progress checkpoint for those looking ahead to the Laguna Phuket Tri-fest events.''
Thanyapura's 23-hectare megaplex is a regular training base for - among other triathlon stars - two-time world champion Caroline Steffen, Ronnie Schildknecht, the only man to win the same elite triathlon event seven straight times, and Australian Hall of Famer Belinda Granger.
Thanyapura attracts athletes of all levels looking to improve and get more out of life. The 77-room Thanyapura Sports Hotel provides comfortable, quiet and modern rooms. The highest quality organic food is prepared as part of special menus designed for athletes. Thanyapura Health's integrated medical treatments and therapies are available for those battling injury, and the pristine environment offers clean air and fast, open roads while beautiful beaches and the international airport is a short drive away.
The Super Camp will also feature a motivational evening with Mr McCormack and Mr Zack. It will feature video analysis, swim and run technique analysis, ice baths and mind-training sessions.
''Thanyapura is not a normal sports and wellness destination,'' Mr McCormack said. ''It uses the most sophisticated methods to get the very best out of the body and mind. I wouldn't be here if I didn't believe that. My whole life has been governed by the pursuit of excellence, and that is Thanyapura's ethos too.''
Mr McCormack, who has been dubbed the fittest man on Earth by ESPN, is the only triathlete to be crowned ITU Olympic-distance World Champion (short course) and Ironman World Champion (long course).
Thanyapura Triathlon Super Camp, August 23-30, 2014
Single THB45,000
Twin Share THB33,800
Strictly limited to just 50 athletes, so book now to avoid disappointmentreservations@thanyapura.com
The 41-year-old four-time world triathlon champion, a winner of more than 220 international events, cruised to victory in the Sprint race on Saturday, May 17, before backing up a few hours later to claim the Olympic-distance race in even more impressive fashion.
He clocked 1hr 03min 55sec in the Sprint - a 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run, beating his nearest rival by almost two minutes, then produced a 2hr 03min 34sec effort over the Olympic distance - a 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run - to finish almost six minutes ahead of the next best.
You can only do what Mr McCormack has done year after year by conflating the mind and body so that every ounce of talent is harnessed. That is why Mr McCormack is the perfect person to steer Asia's leading sports training and educational facility, famed for its unique three-dimensional mind, body and soul coaching philosophy that elite athletes from around the globe are utilising in increasing numbers.
''I couldn't be happier with the way I performed,'' he said. ''It's extremely gratifying to know that, at age 41, I still have what it takes to perform at this level. Having access to Thanyapura's Olympic-standard facilities and world-class coaches, sports scientists, sports psychologists, dietitians, physiotherapists and chiropractors has undoubtedly prolonged my career at this level. That is why so many of the world's best athletes come here.''
Mr McCormack has now turned his attention to preparing to host the most advanced Triathlon Super Camp ever - a unique and highly personalised week-long training retreat for triathletes looking to peak for their 'A' race in the key September and October period, including the famed Kona Ironman World Championship.
The Thanyapura Super Camp is from August 23-30, with just 50 places offered for athletes of all levels on a first-come, first-served basis - guaranteeing a program devised by two-time Ironman World Champion Mr McCormack, who will lead the camp along with fellow Ironman legend Jurgen Zack, Senior Head Coach of Triathlon Academy.
''It's the perfect training block foundation for athletes looking to peak for their 'A' race in September and October,'' Mr McCormack said. ''I like to call it a pro fantasy camp. It's a camp that the pros will use in the build up to Kona (Ironman World Championship in Hawaii) and that triathletes of all levels can benefit from, learn from and get that closer to their race goals.
''I did the camp myself last year as an athlete. Anyone who's been to Thanyapura knows that we have elite personnel and facilities. We have Andrea Capellari, a mind conditioning coach to enhance mental strength and fortitude.''
For the Super Camp, athletes only need bring a bike, goggles and running shoes, and be prepared to push themselves to the limit over seven days of quality kilometres. New friends who share the same passion for the sport will be made, and, in many cases, expectations will be exceeded in this meticulously planned program.
There are multiple other reasons to sign on. ''We've got an outstanding strength and conditioning program, we do baseline blood work, we have arguably the best 50m swimming pool in Asia, probably the only 500m running track in the world and the riding opportunities in the area are ideal,'' Mr McCormack said. ''The hot conditions will prepare athletes to better handle Kona's stifling heat, and it's also a useful tune-up and progress checkpoint for those looking ahead to the Laguna Phuket Tri-fest events.''
Thanyapura's 23-hectare megaplex is a regular training base for - among other triathlon stars - two-time world champion Caroline Steffen, Ronnie Schildknecht, the only man to win the same elite triathlon event seven straight times, and Australian Hall of Famer Belinda Granger.
Thanyapura attracts athletes of all levels looking to improve and get more out of life. The 77-room Thanyapura Sports Hotel provides comfortable, quiet and modern rooms. The highest quality organic food is prepared as part of special menus designed for athletes. Thanyapura Health's integrated medical treatments and therapies are available for those battling injury, and the pristine environment offers clean air and fast, open roads while beautiful beaches and the international airport is a short drive away.
The Super Camp will also feature a motivational evening with Mr McCormack and Mr Zack. It will feature video analysis, swim and run technique analysis, ice baths and mind-training sessions.
''Thanyapura is not a normal sports and wellness destination,'' Mr McCormack said. ''It uses the most sophisticated methods to get the very best out of the body and mind. I wouldn't be here if I didn't believe that. My whole life has been governed by the pursuit of excellence, and that is Thanyapura's ethos too.''
Mr McCormack, who has been dubbed the fittest man on Earth by ESPN, is the only triathlete to be crowned ITU Olympic-distance World Champion (short course) and Ironman World Champion (long course).
Thanyapura Triathlon Super Camp, August 23-30, 2014
Single THB45,000
Twin Share THB33,800
Strictly limited to just 50 athletes, so book now to avoid disappointmentreservations@thanyapura.com
Thanyapura ins the "Word of the Week" award..conflating, had me running for the dictionary. Someone needs to remind reporters that their articles are meant for "mass" reading and understanding, usually accept that article should be written at high school level.
Posted by Laurie Howells on May 22, 2014 08:32