Els Visser, a Dutch triathlete, seized the opportunity of a wildcard entry and secured third place in the Singapore T100 race, marking her fourth podium finish of the season. Despite starting with a swim that left her four minutes behind, Visser showcased remarkable resilience and determination against a highly competitive field, ultimately overtaking Lucy Buckingham on the run to claim third position, with Ashleigh Gentle clinching first and Lucy Charles-Barclay securing second.
Reflecting on her performance, Visser attributed her motivation to the inspiring achievements of middle-distance male triathletes Sam Long and Lionel Sanders, emphasizing her surprise at her podium finish given her previous struggles with swimming. Despite acknowledging her weakness in swimming, Visser embraced her strengths in other disciplines, particularly cycling, which she pushed hard to make up for lost time in the water.
Visser’s journey to the podium is particularly noteworthy considering her past experiences, including surviving a shipwreck before embarking on her triathlon career. Her coach’s advice to focus solely on her own performance proved instrumental in her success, as she concentrated on her biking efforts to narrow the gap between herself and her competitors before delivering a strong performance on the run despite facing leg cramps.
In her post-race interview with TRI247’s Jenny Lucas-Hill, Visser highlighted the challenging nature of the bike course, which featured demanding climbs exacerbated by the heat. However, she embraced the strategic aspect of the race, breaking it down into manageable segments across eight laps and maintaining her focus without getting overwhelmed by the distance ahead.
Visser’s performance in Singapore stands as a remarkable feat, highlighting her resilience, determination, and adeptness at seizing opportunities despite early challenges. Her podium finish serves as compelling evidence of her unwavering commitment to triathlon and her skill in thriving even in demanding circumstances, solidifying her status as a promising figure in the triathlon community.
