Durban youngster crowned national Duathlon Youth Champion, completes national double

Ntuthuko Mlondo|Published 7 months ago

Newly crowned SA Duathlon Youth Champion Ryan Viviers, participating in the SA Duathlon Champions. The event took place at Midmar Dam on 7 July. Picture: Sports Photography

Durban — A Durban youngster completes national double following his recent victory at the SA Duathlon Championships last weekend.

Ryan Viviers, 14 years old and a grade 9 pupil at Durban High School, was crowned SA Duathlon Youth Champion and notched up his second national title in 2024, following his SA Triathlon Youth Championship in March.

The Alley Roads Tri-Series South African Duathlon Championships took place at Midmar Dam, Howick, on July 7.

Ryan said he felt grateful and blessed to have completed this double feat, especially considering he had a few injury concerns heading into the championships. He thanked God for the speedy recovery.

“My highlight for this event was crossing the finish line and winning the race. My biggest challenge was for sure the cramping in my calves I experienced during my second run,” he said.

Ryan Viviers (centre) with his national medal. Picture: Supplied

Ryan said that the rest of this year is focused on training for next year’s triathlon season as he steps up to a new division - the Junior Division - which involves 16-19 year olds. He added that he will be competing in local cycling, running and triathlon races along with swimming galas as part of his preparation.

Furthermore, he thanked his coach, Glen Gore (former professional triathlete) and club Team Tri-Lab Multisport who motivated and challenged him, while creating an enjoyable and positive environment.

Coach Glen Gore said that Ryan is one of the team’s most promising juniors. Gore praised Ryan’s mental attitude and said that was key to his success this year.

“What separates the good from the great is the mental toughness and Ryan has that X-Factor that a lot of other athletes don’t have. Of course the physical attributes are important and Ryan possesses all the traits needed to be a top level sportsman,” he said.

Gore added that Ryan will progress to the Junior division and while it’s a jump to start racing longer distances and against athletes that are more experienced racers over those distances, Ryan already has the requirements needed to start racing and perform well in that age division.

In March, Ryan won the SA Sprint Triathlon Championship/Africa Sprint Cup in Maselspoort, Free State, off the back of strong swimming and was crowned SA Triathlon Youth Champion.

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