What is your history with sports and athletics?
My sports path started in elementary school because I was a chubby kid that other kids would pick on. I changed many sports before I started rowing at the age of 14 in Zagreb, Croatia where I grew up.
I stuck to it for about 20 years, during which time I competed nationally and internationally. At an early age it was on a competitive level, but college life got in the way of my ability to become an elite rower and I turned to amateur (Masters Rowing) programs at the age of 27. From time to time I still compete in some Masters Rowing Races.
My triathlon beginnings started in 2017. I was looking for a new challenge and my friend Jack Nunn said, “Hey why don’t you try a triathlon?”
And so I did the same year.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
If I single out one thing, I enjoy that nervous feeling just before the gun and the adrenalin rush at the start of each competition.
Of course, there is much more to it. The community in rowing and triathlon is amazing and it feels like having a second family. It also helps me with everyday life and makes me a better person altogether. During my early 30’s, I fell off the training a little bit and life got in the way, so my weight went a little out of control. I was 120+ kg (265 lbs) at that time. Knowing how to be an athlete helped get me back in shape. It was definitely one of the hardest things I ever did in 3 months.
Today, looking back it is really hard to single out my proudest accomplishment, but my 5th place finish in the single scull at Head of The Charles an iconic rowing race in Boston would definitely be one. My recent finish at Ironman70.3 Elsinore EU Championship in 4 hours 52 minutes or Ultra team win at Ragnar Trail race at Vail Lake 2015 in California.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
In everyday life to be an athlete and to be able to dedicate time to working out I need to be so thankful and grateful to my wife Angie. She puts up with all the time I spend training and racing when I am not home. Her support means a lot to me. Making her happy is also my biggest challenge.
Has your participation helped you overcome any major life issues?
While working out, like on a long bike ride or run, I take time to also think a lot about the current task I have in the office or challenge that stands in front of my life.
Also, it can be a moment in silence, when my mental health needs help and I want to avoid thinking of any frustration life can throw at me. Then those moments become just silence in my head with a drive to push for more and grind harder.
What is your “why?”
There is a fire within me that burns to strive to be better, faster, to go further, and do a tougher challenge. I feel that I am a very competitive personality and putting a challenge in front of me will make me go for it.
What is your favorite gear or training equipment?
My favorite training equipment would be a single scull rowing boat. That feeling while rowing on the surface of the water is amazing and it brings so much peace and joy to me.
Do you have a favorite race or event?
One of my favorite triathlon races is St. George 70.3, which is amazing and stunning from start to finish. For rowing events, I would say Head of The Charles in Boston because it’s a beautiful city and the scenery around the rowing course is breathtaking. It also has a long term tradition and amazing fans that is rare in the sport of rowing.
What’s next?
My next challenge is Ironman Austria in Klagenfurt this September. My goal is to complete the race without any walking and while doing that try to race to the best of my abilities.
A long-term goal would be to try and get a slot for Ironman Kona in the next 6-8 years.
Any fun facts about yourself?
When I first heard about Ironman and what it entails that one person needs to do I said, “I would never do it, these people are crazy!” Today about 10 years later I am that crazy person…
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Don’t let anyone tell you that you cant do it. We all had our starting point where our journey began. From there it’s only important to never give up!
Any other comments or stories you’d like to share?
We should never forget that the most important is to enjoy the moment we have and to have fun. We only live through each moment once.