Runner wins triathlon gold

BY SCOTT HADDOW

There wasn't anything that could stand in the way of Greater Sudbury's Michael Hay from achieving his dream of being a triathlon champion.

Hay, 40, realized his goal recently in Vancouver by earning the gold medal in the Men's 40+ Masters Division at the 2008 International Triathlon Union (ITU) Olympic Age Group Championships.

Hay had to battle extreme weather and a field of 107 hungry competitors to claim his first-ever world championship.

The race itself was altered because of the weather, which caused chilly 52-degree water and five-foot wind chops.

Competitors ran a three-kilometre section first, followed by a 38-km bicycle race and finished with a 10-km run. The swim portion was eliminated and replaced by the 10-km run.

Hay blazed across the finish line in a time of 1:40:36, 14 seconds ahead of the next athlete.

Hay has been competing in triathlons for 22 years and was left feeling emotional after winning.

"I am pretty happy to win this race...its been a long time in the making," he said. "The competition in the masters is pretty intense...it really means a lot to me to win this world championships. I was pretty stoked crossing that line and realizing that I had pulled off the win."

Hay wasn't bothered at all by the elimination of the swim portion. In fact, he was expecting it and had even done some run-bike-run training exercises leading up to the event.

The toughest part for Hay was being patient on his bike and waiting for the 10-km run to try and win the event. He considers his strongest suit to be cycling, but said he wasn't able to put a lot of distance between him and the other triathletes because of the course and large number of competitors.

Once the final leg of the event began, Hay wasn't in first and was behind several other athletes. Hay pushed himself just enough to make up the ground in the 10-km run. With just 2.8-km left in the race, Hay was still in fourth place, but stayed focused and eventually prevailed.

"I had the competition in sight and I was confident I could outrun them," the six-foot-five runner said. "It was a great field and I was able to put all my training and preparation into play. I am self-coached so I would have only had myself to blame if I came up flat...so I am proud of myself for being able to peak on race day."

The community of Greater Sudbury played a vital role in Hay's victory.

"I have always believed we owe it to ourselves to be as good at something as we can be...and I think I have found that balance, largely in part to my supportive family and friends," Hay said. "The masters swim club, our triathlon club, the cycling club and the local sponsors that help us out - all have had a role to play in helping me create an environment that allowed me to train 15 to 20 hours a week in the company of great people and other great athletes.

These people push me and help get me out on those cold winter days. Honestly, I don't have a lot of natural talent, and this wins shows with consistency, preparation, and belief in yourself, even a regular guy can win a big race."

Winning isn't the only great thing about the sport.

"Having a great race is what its all about...I would have been just as satisfied if I came in tenth and was happy with my effort," he said. "The benefits from active living are no secret and when you train and prepare for a race like this, you will improve yourself in immeasurable ways both psychologically and physically. It's those gains from the journey that make it all worthwhile, plus it's always fun to get outside in our great outdoors and hang with your friends.
Swimming on Nepawhin Lake at 6 a.m. in the spring and summer is an incredible way to start your day."

Hay encourages others to try the sport. People can check out the Nickel City Triathlon Club at www.nickelcitytri.com . A youth triathlon program just started and it's not too late for kids to join.