Lionel Sanders, a prominent figure in the world of triathlon, has captured widespread attention within the triathlon community through his relentless pursuit of excellence in the sport over the past few years.
While not initially recognized for his prowess in swimming, Sanders has meticulously chronicled his journey of striving to enhance his swimming abilities for nearly a decade. Recently, he appears to have honed in on a method that resonates best with his approach.
In a recent YouTube video, Sanders, alongside Aquabear Swim Club coach Justin Slade, elucidated on the five fundamental factors he believes will facilitate his improvement and complement his profile as a diligent athlete with limited innate swimming talent.
When questioned about the crucial elements in his pursuit, Sanders emphasized the significance of having a strong support network, both in the water and on the pool deck. He stressed, “Swimming with people and having a coach on deck as often as possible are absolute keepers.”
Coach Slade emphasized the importance of blending intensity and volume in training, alongside experiencing the sensation of swimming at high speeds.
He emphasized, “It’s crucial to maintain high intensity in every session. We push for speed every day, defying conventional wisdom. Sanders needs to understand what it feels like to swim swiftly, hence we incorporate varied techniques like swimming with fins, alongside partners, or even employing unconventional methods like tethering him with a rope. Moreover, he covers 6,500 yards per day.”
Sanders, buoyed by exceptional coaching and a supportive training environment, appears to be regaining his stride and gathering momentum as the season approaches. He underscores the pivotal role of confidence derived from rigorous training, a facet he believes may have faltered in previous seasons.
“Confidence stems from training. Throughout my career, this aspect has fluctuated, perhaps due to my inclination to experiment and seek novel approaches. Ironically, the essence of success lies in consistent, arduous training. It’s about training rigorously, fostering unwavering self-belief, and trusting in one’s capabilities. Amidst the challenges ahead, I’m returning to these core principles, steadfast in my belief that perseverance yields triumph.”
In the midst of the grind, with substantial hurdles yet to conquer, Sanders remains resolute, guided by his rediscovered core values and unwavering determination to ascend the pinnacle of the sport once more.
