Just minutes ago, the triathlon community was rocked by an emotional twist that unfolded when a young beginner suffered a surprising setback
—psychologically shaken—after receiving a message from an 84-year-old athlete who only started his triathlon journey in his 70s. What began as a motivational moment quickly turned into something unexpected.
The young triathlete, whose identity is being withheld for privacy, had just completed a major training milestone and was preparing for his very first sprint triathlon. Feeling nervous but optimistic, he had reached out in an online forum for beginners, seeking advice and inspiration. What he received, however, was far from the pep talk he anticipated.
The response came from Alf Lakin, a now-renowned 84-year-old triathlete from Australia who took up the sport late in life and has since competed in multiple world championships. Alf’s story is often held up as proof that age is no barrier to achievement. But his recent message was unexpectedly sobering.
“I started in my 70s, with no swimming background and no athletic training,” Alf began. “But what I learned is that this sport doesn’t just test your body—it challenges your soul. There were moments I questioned everything, moments I collapsed in exhaustion, cried out of frustration, and almost drowned in my own doubt. If you’re not ready to face the rawest version of yourself, you’ll be broken before the finish line.”
This brutally honest reflection stunned the beginner, who admitted to friends that the message hit harder than expected. “It’s like he ripped away the inspiration and gave me the naked truth,” he said. “I was excited before. Now, I’m just scared.”
His friends and fellow beginners rallied around him, trying to reframe Alf’s message not as a warning, but as a wake-up call. “What Alf said was real,” said another community member. “This sport isn’t for the faint-hearted, but if you endure the lows, the highs are unforgettable.”
Experts in sports psychology were quick to weigh in. Dr. Helena Jameson, a performance coach who works with amateur endurance athletes, noted that while honesty is essential, timing and delivery matter. “For a beginner, especially someone facing their first race, raw truth can be overwhelming. What they need is layered motivation—start with encouragement, then gradually introduce the reality.”
As of this afternoon, the young athlete has decided to take a short break from training to mentally regroup. He insists he’s not quitting, but rather, processing.
Meanwhile, Alf Lakin issued a follow-up message after learning how his words had affected the beginner. “I never meant to discourage. My story was meant to show that even when it’s tough—especially when it’s tough—you can still come out stronger. If I did it at 70, anyone can.”
The story continues to unfold, but one thing is clear: in the world of triathlon, inspiration sometimes wears the face of struggle, and growth often begins with truth.
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