When Sridath Sudheer's swimming coach suggested he try a triathlon four years ago, the Dubai teenager was puzzled. 'I had no idea what a triathlon was. Nobody in my family knew about it,' Sridath, born into an Indian family with no sporting background, told the Khaleej Times.
Remarkably, on June 2, 2024, his 18th birthday, Sridath made history by becoming one of the youngest men ever to complete a triathlon event, crossing the finish line at the Ironman European Championship in Hamburg, Germany. Triathlon, which demands athletes to swim, cycle, and run over various distances, is among the most physically demanding sports. Athletes under 18 are prohibited from participating in Ironman, the most challenging triathlon race globally.
'Last year, when I checked the date for the 2024 Ironman European Championship, I realized it was on my 18th birthday. It was perfect for me and motivated me to aim for it,' Sridath explained. Preparing for such a grueling event, covering a distance of 226.2km, was a monumental challenge for a novice.
'I began training for it six months before the race. The training was tough, but being in Dubai made it easier due to the excellent facilities,' he said. 'The cycling and running tracks here are world-class and free to use anytime. For instance, you can swim at Kite Beach and then cycle to Meydan, about 10 kilometers away. For a triathlete, these facilities are a great help, especially after swimming when you need to ride a bike. I must also thank the UAE sports federations for their tremendous support.'
Despite being well-prepared, Sridath experienced intense nerves before the race in Hamburg. 'I felt the pressure because a large crowd gathered to watch. I was nervous at the start, but as soon as I jumped into the water, I forgot all the pressure,' he recounted. 'Since swimming is my strength, I managed to set a good pace, and cycling was enjoyable due to the pleasant weather and scenic roads.'
However, the final leg, a 42.2-kilometer run, posed a significant challenge for Sridath. 'The first 30 kilometers were manageable, but the last 12 kilometers were the toughest. My legs hurt, and I felt mentally drained, but I kept pushing myself, and when I reached the finish line, it was an incredible feeling. I had tears in my eyes,' he said.
The Dubai-born athlete now dreams of competing in the Olympics and winning a medal for India, his ancestral country. 'It's a huge dream to compete in the Olympics. The triathlon level at the Olympics is very high, so I need to work hard to improve my timing and points to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games,' he stated. 'I will start preparing next year for the Olympics. Hopefully, I'll keep getting better!'
