In October 2004 , Hanson was working at the Virgin Active Gym in PE , taking care of the maintenance of the gym ’ s pool , when he saw Ironman South Africa race director Paul Wolff presenting swimming lessons and coaching triathletes at the gym . “ I had always had a passion for sport , and had a strong background in running , so when Paul told me about the SA Triathlon Development team , I signed up to learn to swim ,” says Hanson . “ When I started I just wanted to challenge myself , because I like a challenge , so I took up triathlon , not knowing that one day I would land up in Hawaii ! But I still get butterflies at the start of a race , even though I have now been doing this for years .” It ’ s actually strange to hear this remarkable athlete speak of pre-race nerves , considering what he has already achieved . Born and raised in Walmer Township , one of the poorest areas of Port Elizabeth ‚ Hanson began running in school , taking part in track athletics and cross country . After school he moved into road running and boasts impressive personal bests of 33:07 for 10km , 1:11 for the half marathon and a 2:56 marathon . However , swimming and cycling were complete unknowns until he began training with Paul , who also organised a job for him in sales at Triangle Sports , the retail arm of the Ironman operation .
Within a year of learning to swim Hanson was lining up for his first full Ironman at the African Champs in Port Elizabeth , ready to tackle a 3.8km open water ocean swim , which is normally the most daunting leg for athletes without a swimming background , as well as a 180km bike leg , followed by a full marathon . Even more surprising is that he says he actually found the sea swim easier than his training in the pool ! “ The distance was more challenging , but the
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swim was not as hard , because the salt water provides more flotation .”
IRONMAN PEDIGREE
Today , Hanson can look back on a remarkable Ironman record . He has started 11 Half Ironman events and completed nine , with a best finishing time of 5:20 , and has completed eight out of eight full Ironman events , with a best of 12:06 . He also earned Eastern Province colours , has competed at the SA Duathlon and SA Triathlon Champs a number of times , and was selected to represent his country in his age category at the 2007 World Duathlon Champs in Hungary .
That was the first time he travelled overseas , and now he is off to Hawaii for the biggest Ironman of them all , thanks to the support of Standard Bank , sponsors of the SA Ironman events . Naturally , Hanson is thrilled about the opportunity to race in Kona , as it is the number one bucket list event for most triathletes . “ Paul told me after I finished the Ironman SA Champs this year that Standard Bank wanted to send me to Kona , covering all my expenses , including flights , accommodation , entry fee , even the visa fee . I am very excited . It ’ s a great feeling because it ’ s every athlete ’ s dream to do Kona , and I never thought that one day I would be going to the World Champs .”
In terms of his Kona race plans , Hanson says his focus will be more on the experience than the clock . “ To me , Kona is about learning , meeting new people and learning different cultures , so the race is not about time , but more about finishing , because I ’ m going there as a novice . That ’ s the main thing , and to enjoy myself . It ’ s the World Champs , and I ’ m just so proud to be representing Walmer in Kona , because I
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am proud of the community that raised me . I wanted to do something different to inspire my community , and that ’ s why I am so proud that some of my friends in the community are now also doing triathlons .” |
UP FOR THE CHALLENGE
Hanson says that triathlon has become more a lifestyle for him than just a sport . “ I had always been a runner , but what inspired me to do triathlon is that it is a unique sport that challenges you every time you enter a competition . The most rewarding thing about triathlon is what it teaches you about yourself . You learn quickly about your strengths and weaknesses , and how self-discipline can benefit you as an athlete and as a person .”
Of course , given that he is inspiring so many others to also take up the sport , Hanson has some basic advice to pass on to any wouldbe triathletes . “ My advice to people who are interested in the sport is that anything is possible – you just need to be dedicated . And you don ’ t need an expensive bike ... If the wheels turn , that ’ s good enough .”
Hanson in action at Ironman PE
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Images : Courtesy Magna Carta |