Triathlete Suresh Sam Chandy eyes sixth Ironman title after a profitable stint in Brazil

“The tagline of the Ironman triathlon is ‘Anything is Possible’. Yet, it’s a seemingly unimaginable job and a larger-than-life expertise. This risk gravitated me in the direction of this race,” says triathlete Suresh Sam Chandy, who just lately accomplished the race for the fifth time at Florianopolis in Brazil — crossing off South America in his pursuit to complete the endurance problem in six continents. And his subsequent and remaining vacation spot? Africa.

The Ironman triathlon, a worldwide endurance problem, includes swimming for 3.8 kilometres, biking for 180.4 kilometres and working a full marathon for 42.2 kilometres. In his current attempt, the Thiruvananthapuram-born and raised athlete completed the race in 15 hours, 56 minutes, and 31 seconds. “Heavy winds and cross winds have been making driving troublesome. The climbs have been regular and really lengthy,” says the 42-year-old.

Previously, Sam accomplished the challenges in Copenhagen (Denmark), Langkawi (Malaysia), Florida (USA), and Busselton (Australia). While his first problem was accomplished in 14 hours and 9 minutes, he completed the next three inside a span of 58 days.

Apart from its challenges, Sam was drawn to the the Ironman triathlon to place his ardour for swimming and working to the take a look at. “I used to swim from a younger age and have been a part of the working communities within the cities I’ve labored in. I’m additionally a member of the ITEN Runners Club in Thiruvananthapuram. I simply wanted to get a begin on biking,” says Sam, who works at Ernst & Young at Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram.

“My work extends to 12 hours on some days. My coaching hours revolve round my working hours. It has swimming, biking, strengthening and conditioning elements. Once I register for an occasion, I practice 12 to twenty hours per week.” says the triathlete.

“I get up at 4.30 within the morning and swim for 2 hours. I eat and guarantee my physique recovers for the subsequent exercise. I do a motorcycle or working exercise after work and an indoor exercise for 2 hours round midday,” says Sam.

Location-specific preparation is the important thing. For the subsequent version in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Sam is anticipating sturdy winds, unsettled seas and uneven terrains. He is getting ready for the swim with hand paddles, weighing his arms down. “I would like to make sure that my swim strokes are highly effective with the paddle. So once I take off the paddles for the competitors, I can swim sooner,” says Sam.

“Getting acclimatised to the place is sort of mandatory. I’m planning to go a bit early for a couple of apply swims, rides and runs in order that I get accustomed to the water, land and air of the place,” says Sam, getting ready for the race in April 2026.