Cameron Keast Athlete Ambassador

Cameron gets his sporting ability from his PE teacher dad and has gone on to podium at international triathlon competitions. He talks to Sundried about life as a triathlete.

Have you always been into sport?

Growing up with a PE teacher for a dad pretty much thrust me into sports from day one. Growing up, I was a footballer and rugby player but would basically do anything that meant I didn't have to sit still or stay indoors.

What made you decide to enter the world of triathlon?

I got an ankle injury playing football and was advised for my recovery I was best served to stick with straight line stuff until it was better. So I started swimming, biking and running more and before I knew it I was on a start line to put it all together. I loved it and never looked back!

What’s been your favourite race to date and why?

Challenge Roth was spectacular. Everything was on another level; the organisation was great, the support was mind blowing and Solarberg Hill is something every triathlete needs to experience at least once. 

And your proudest achievement?

Probably getting bronze at the European Age Group Duathlon Championships a couple of years back. I hadn't had the best experience the year before and very nearly didn't go, so stepping up onto the podium was pretty special. 

Have you ever had any racing disasters/your toughest race yet?

I remember cycling off course once in a Half Ironman. I went straight over a roundabout instead of heading to the right and down towards T2. After a good few minutes smashing it down a hill I realised I was very much on my own...and that I had to climb the hill I had just descended. On the plus side, I think I broke a few PBs heading out onto the run trying to catch the guy that had been blatantly drafting behind me the whole time but didn't tell me I was about to go off course. 

How do you overcome setbacks?

Firstly, I think it's important to allow yourself time to be a bit disappointed if you have a setback and accepting that it's normal to feel disappointed. After that, for me I try to analyse the situation, look for the positives (things are rarely as bad as you think at first) and try to come up with a new plan or how to adjust the original plan if necessary.

What advice do you wish you'd been told before you started competing?

Stick a bit of sellotape on your helmet/bike before you stick your race number sticker down - it comes off way way easier after!

What are your goals for 2019?

I am really excited to be racing the Outlaw in July so that will be my main target. Also, May will be a busy month with the World Long Course Championships in Pontevedra as well as a middle distance race a couple of weeks after that. I tend not to get too tied up with outcome goals - I am going to go out and give it everything regardless so the results will be what they will be.

Who do you take your inspiration from?

My teammates. I am part of a great triathlon club and there is always someone doing something amazing or inspiring.

What do you like about Sundried and what’s your favourite bit of our kit?

I love the ethical ethos of the company and the sustainability focus that it has as this is an area that I am really passionate about. As for kit, I love that the Olperer Men's T-Shirt is made from coffee!