Q&A With Steven Sayer of Whitty's Sport Therapy

Steven is an Ironman triathlete who was inspired by his father. He answers some questions about life as an athlete and his triathlon career.

1. How did you first get into the sport of triathlon?

I was originally a swimmer and I got into the sport through my dad who took part in the first London Triathlon. I helped out with my local triathlon club and then attended a few training sessions and began training with my dad and that's where it all began.

2. What has been your favourite race to date?

There's two. The first one when racing elite for a company called Tri UK and going up against my idols in the sport in the London Triathlon. The second was at the World Championships in Perth, Australia. I had been training on the Gold coast for months leading to the race and had one of the best races of my life.

3. What do you do to stay motivated?

I like to push my body to the limit; as I'm getting older my speed has gone so I now compete in 70.3 and full distance Ironman races. A new chapter in my triathlon career.

4. What advice would you give someone thinking of getting into triathlon for the first time?

Start with a distance that you feel comfortable with but most of all enjoy the race and training.

5. Who is your biggest inspiration?

My dad was my biggest inspiration in the sport followed by my coach who showed me how to train and eat the right stuff at the right time.

6. What made you want to get into coaching?

I've been teaching/coaching swimming for over 20 years, and done several qualifications in many different sports. I like to help people achieve their potential in anything/sport and I was lucky to have help from my coaches and my parents at a young age and now continue to do the same.

7. What are your goals for 2017/2018?

This year I'm helping several athletes achieve their goals and taking a back seat due to starting a family. I have also started a small race team competing in many sports around the country/World. i.e 70.3 World Champs, 70.3 Europeans and Olympic World champs. We are a team from novice to elite level and competing in sprint to full Ironman distance.

In 2018 I will compete in several 70.3 races and for 2019 I would like to do Ironman Lanzarote with a few of the team.