Sam Long is enjoying a stellar season in triathlon, marked by consistent podium finishes. With four podium performances already, including a recent second-place finish at the Singapore T100 following his runner-up position at IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside, Long is showcasing his prowess in elite racing. His impressive bike-run performance in Singapore, where he finished behind Youri Keulen, demonstrated his ability to excel in challenging conditions and against tough competition.
Despite acknowledging the need to improve in the water, Long’s primary focus remains on enjoying the sport and competing at the highest level. He emphasizes the importance of having fun and relishing the opportunity to race against the best athletes in the world. Long’s race strategy involves careful execution, balancing his effort to avoid overheating while making up ground on the bike and excelling on the run, as evidenced by his performance in Singapore.
Throughout the season, Long has prioritized maintaining a positive mindset and enjoying the racing experience. He has consciously worked on channeling his competitive edge only during the race, rather than throughout the entire race week, allowing himself to fully embrace the joy of competition. This shift in mentality has contributed to his high spirits and performance on the racecourse.
Despite encountering setbacks, such as serving a penalty during a race due to his own mistake, Long remains undeterred and maintains his momentum. He sees such challenges as opportunities to engage with the crowd and maintain focus during the race. Long’s ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances reflects his resilience and determination to succeed.
Looking ahead, Long expresses satisfaction with his biking and running abilities but acknowledges the need to commit to improving his swimming. He understands that consistency is key to achieving his goals and is dedicated to the process of continuous improvement. With his current form and determination, Long is poised to make further strides in his triathlon career.
