This weekend’s London triathlon was a time for heroes.
The Brownlee brothers have raised the hopes of a nation for next year’s Olympics by coming first and third. Meanwhile, fellow Brit Helen Jenkins has stoked similar expectations by winning the women’s race.
The triathlon also saw a return to a high-profile sporting event for England cricket hero Michael Vaughan, Ashes-winning captain of 2005.
Michael Vaughan was part of our celebrity team
One man, however, though perhaps not a champion triathlete, achieved something equally as great as the Brownlees this weekend.
And we were there (with a camera) to document his success.
Mthoko looking a little dazed pre-race
Whilst our Laureus team of 22 runners prepared for this year’s London leg of the ITU triathlon, little did our friend Mthoko know that he had one of his day’s biggest challenges right in front of him already.
And this was before the race even began.
He needed to get himself into the dreaded, skin-tight triathlon suit.
At first all seemed to be going OK
Mthoko is part of the team here at Laureus and spends his time helping and coordinating the many projects we support across the world.
Now, Mthoko is a very health conscious young man.
He is a passionate swimmer, he lifts weights. Basically, he is the just the kind of person who should be in perfect shape for the challenges that a triathlon brings.
One such challenge he didn’t anticipate was that of the suit.
Mthoko took the advice 'Hit the ground running' a bit too literally..
Eventually, but only with a little help from his friends, Mthoko got to the starting line, suit and all, and completed the race in a very respectable time.
Team Laureus in their stylish yellow swimming caps
All 22 of our charity runners, in addition to Mthoko, finished the gruelling course. And the funds raised of over £14,000 will now go toward supporting our 87 humanitarian sports projects across the world.
So a very big, and well deserved, congrats to everyone who took part.
And a special well done to Mthoko…
Were you taking part in this year’s ITU London triathlon? Were you one of the many people who watched from the sidelines? What were your experiences of the race?
We would love to hear from you so drop us your thoughts in the box below or let us know on Twitter @LaureusSport
Hello Laureus Blog readers,
Just like in previous years the Triathlon in Hamburg showed why it has become one of the most prestigious Triathlons in the World. I was impressed when I saw a sea of people around the proven circuit through the city of Hamburg. It created a spectacular atmosphere which certainly left an impression on every single one of us almost nine thousand athletes.
