Young, fast and motivated: Kelowna celebrates its youngest Ironman winner!

Young, fast and motivated: Kelowna celebrates its youngest Ironman winner!

An exciting chapter in the world of triathlon has opened as Zachery Bernier-Michaud was celebrated as the youngest U-20 Ironman winner. The 19-year-old achieved an impressive personal best of 8 hours and 11 minutes. Born in Montreal but raised in Bangkok, he has long since settled in Kelowna, where he now studies and trains. Zachery's journey into the triathlon world began almost six years ago in Thailand, where he was inspired by his school principal, an Ironman triathlete. With a new bike and a lot of enthusiasm, he joined cross-country and swimming teams, which would ultimately be the start of his successful career.

For Zachery, training plays a central role in his life. With a rigorous program of five to six sessions per week at the YMCA of Southern Interior in B.C. he is constantly developing. He emphasizes how important the YMCA's affordable membership is to him, with its generous hours and always-available workout options. “The YMCA is a true gift for anyone who is serious about sports,” said Zachery.

Youth and Sport: A Recipe for Success

Promoting youth in sport is particularly important to him. Zachery believes that sport not only keeps students physically fit, but also strengthens friendships, builds resilience and instills self-confidence. His advice to all young athletes: “Believe in yourself and don’t give up on your dreams!”

The triathlon community in Bangkok has developed greatly in recent years. A key player is ironguides.net, a platform that offers members not only useful information but also exclusive discounts on sports products and physiotherapy services. With discounts of 25% on products such as energy gels and waffles, sports enthusiasts can save money during training. Ironguides has also established a partnership with Le Physio Clinic, which specializes in sports injuries and offers members a 10% discount on all treatments.

A paradise for triathletes in Thailand

For anyone looking to further develop their skills, Thanyapura Sports and Health Resort on the island of Phuket offers an ideal retreat. This world-class equipment is ideal for preparing for major competitions such as the Ironman World Championships or ITU World Championships. With daily temperatures between the high 20s and low 30s Celsius and high humidity, athletes can use optimal conditions for their training. The resort places great value on athletes concentrating solely on improving their performance without having to worry about other things.

Overall, it shows that the triathlon scene in Thailand is flourishing and young talents like Zachery Bernier-Michaud are well on their way to following in the footsteps of the great triathletes. The combination of great training opportunities, a supportive community and the right attitude can make a big difference. Whether at the local YMCA or on the tropical island of Phuket - the possibilities are almost endless.