Bio
Wian Sullwald is a name you’re going to want to remember. The young South African triathlete is taking town junior AND elite fields, all around the world. Barely twenty years old, Sullwald has already accomplished some of the most prestigious awards possible as a junior triathlete.
Just this past summer, Sullwald won the 2012 ITU Junior World Championship, becoming the first ever African to win an ITU World Championship, at that level. Sullwald also placed 8th in the 2010 Junior Olympic games, citing representing his country in the Olympic Games as a true honor and a life goal.
At such a young age, Sullwald is already showing overwhelming promise, catching the eye of fellow triathletes and triathlon fans around the world. The future looks bright for this young South African superstar.
Q & A
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When did you first start training in life? Where and why?
I started running just after I could start walking on the farm.
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One sport wasn’t enough? What got you into the multi-sport arena?
I always liked endurance stuff and always did a variety of sport, Triathlon looked like the perfect sport for me.
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When did you turn pro?
Age 19, so very recently…
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What are the events, wins, memories that stand out most throughout your career so far?
Winning Junior World Championships and Finishing 8th at The 2010 Youth Olympic games.
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What is your best discipline and why?
It is difficult to say. Competing at a top level, all three disciples should be good.. but id say running is my strong point.
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If you had a discipline that needed work, which would it be and why?
MMM I think you can always improve and all your aspects of the sport.
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Your favorite distance?
Olympic Distance
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Preferred race day outfit …
Looking cool before the race with nice kit and racing in my national tri suit
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If there is one thing that people in the industry would recognize you by, what would that be?
Getting angry quite quickly on the cycle bunch.
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Who was your inspiration growing up:
Within your sport:
Claude Ekstein
Outside your sport:
Normally was a friend that is older then me -
What has driven you to work super hard and rise up beyond mediocrity?
I have big dreams. Also, I do what I love every day.
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Are you a rebel? Why or why not?
Yes, its my way or the high way...except when it comes too my parents.. haha!
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What is your favorite course?
Any tough course, I feel it brings out the true athlete.
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What is the venue that you purely dread and why?
Beijing, I passed out there in the 2011 Junior World Champs.
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Finish this sentence: “Oakley is ________”
in a class of their own.
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If you weren’t killing it in the tri scene, what would you be doing for a living?
Racecar driver or Surfer.
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What is a hidden talent you have other than your sport?
I can drive a car pretty good.
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What is the best song to practice to?
"Welcome too St Tropez" - DJ Antoine
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If you had to share a hotel room/apartment with one Oakley athlete, who would it NOT be and why?
mmm A Russian athlete, I am very scared of them.
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Tell me a funny story about another Oakley athlete...(We’ll never tell)
I have had too build Kate Roberts bike after all her years of racing.. I mean come on!!
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People would be super surprised if they knew that you…
...actually have a soft heart.
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Perfect date…
Late night on the beach.. nuff said ;)
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Celebrity crush:
The girl that plays the main role in no strings attached, not sure what her name is.. (Natalie Portman)
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Your Favorite…
Food: Pizza
Vacation Spot:Jeffrey's Bay
Airline: Café Pacific
Candy:M&M Chocolates
Sport (Besides your own):Table Tennisl
Holiday: Chilling at the beach
Music Genre:Pop and anything with a good beat.
Movie:Paul
Animal:Horse
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One word association...
Swim:wet
Bike:fast
Run: hard
Fun: yea!
Victory:whoo
Defeat:damnit
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