As you have likely heard, Ironman Canada in 2020 is headed back to Penticton, BC. When the news was announced, Fitspeek’s roving reporter Kevin Heinze did some digging around to see what the news meant to some of the people in the multisport community.
One of the most passionate responses was from Penticton triathlete Jeff Symonds, whose roots in that South Okanagan city run as deep as any Merlot vine that grows on the Naramata Bench. Here are Jeff thoughts on what the move means to him.
The first thing it means is that the young kids in Penticton and area (especially the ones that I coach in Kisu and TriPower) will have the same inspiration and opportunities that I have growing up. The legacy passed on to me, and I am a part of, will be passed on to the next generation. It also means great things for a lot of friends in my close circle. JonnyO, The Bike barn, Peach City Runners, ParkRun Penticton, KISU, TriPower, Joe Dixon and Oliver half and Other coaches I have met over the years all are going to benefit financially and emotionally from this.
It means more fun through the year as I think a ton of people locally will be signing up and it will be a blast training together for it. It also means an upswing in Triathlon in the province, Alberta and Northwest US as I believe this was the race that really made people want to be a triathlete.
Personally, I am pumped. This is what got me into the sport. My dream was always racing here growing up. Although I want to do well in Kona, doing well here is a deeper level of motivation. Which sounds strange, but it is something that I have dreamt about as a kid and believed was possible, whereas Kona was a dream crafted later in life.
It is also great for me personally as an athlete and as someone involved in the business of the sport. I am much more valuable to sponsors as I can be involved in the hype and promotion in the lead up and hype on race day, but also by working Saturdays at the Bike Barn I can come in direct contact with a massive number of triathletes throughout the year to train at time when they are actually purchasing products.
It means that Penticton is still a triathlon town and the murals will stay. I was a little worried that they might be taken down at some point.
It also means I get another opportunity to race with my friends but also have friends and family cheer me on. There are lots of people that are a part of my success with their support and its great to have them