Every year the coaches of thetrilife.com put forward their suggestions to our team of directors for their Athlete of the Year. The coaches are asked to consider not only an athletes achievement, but also progress, overall attitude and the overcoming of particular obstacles along the way.
For 2011, we are delighted to announce that Conan Gibney coached by Richard Jones, has been chosen as thetrilife.com Athlete of the Year.
Conan is a long distance athlete with the goal of qualification for Kona. Rich told us “Conan’s commitment and level of preparation is second to none.”
Preparation for his priority race IM Mexico included turbo sessions, clothed in his bathroom with the shower on to help acclimatise and the thermostat in his flat on maximum for the 3 months leading up to the race. And all this with a family and a high pressure job.
The conditions on race day were atrotious and were changing by the hour with high winds, rain, sunshine etc but Conan stuck to his race plan, and achieved his Kona goal.
Rich said “Conan’s attitude is better than many pro athletes I have known over the years.”
Many congratulations Conan – you are an inspiration!
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"I think the concept behind the Masters Programme is excellent. I find the sessions easy to follow, particularly the swim sessions." Masters Year 2 Athlete