Kevin Rosemond Athlete Ambassador
Kevin is a French athlete who evolved from being a track runner to a triathlete. He talks to Sundried about training and motivation.
Have you always been into sport?
I've always enjoyed sport. I've run since I was 6 years old and I always wanted to be a professional runner. In high school, I joined the track and field program which was 3 years of hard training with a lot of commitment but was an amazing experience.
What made you decide to enter the world of triathlon?
After 3 years of problems with my Achilles tendon, I decided to stop training for my favorite distance, the 800m. This distance puts a real strain on the ankle and I could not train properly. It was a difficult decision to make.
After 24 years of full-time training in track and field I needed something else to move forward. A friend told me about triathlon and the benefit of cycling and swimming when you are a runner. It seemed a logical step for me, so I started to train for my first triathlon and I was instantly hooked.
What’s been your favourite race to date and why?
Alpe d’Huez Triathlon is amazing. The swim is in the crystal clear waters of Lac du Verney, the bike with the legendary Alpe d’Huez climb is pretty hard and is the definition of "shut up, legs" for sure. If you want to compete in France, come to Alpe d’Huez triathlon. I will never forget this race.
And your proudest achievement?
That's a difficult question! I represented my country at the World School Athletics Championship in 2005 which was a dream come true. But if I have to choose one, it was completing my first Ironman 70.3. I had to learn how to swim and it was really difficult because I was afraid of the water.
Have you ever had any racing disasters/your toughest race yet?
Yes! In 2018, two weeks after the Paris Marathon, I went to another race which was a 5k. At the time, I had just finished my first marathon and was in good shape.
For the first part of the race, I stayed with the main group and felt fine. After 3km, I decided to push on and surprise the other competitors with a burst of speed. 150 meters later I was on the ground with a torn Achilles tendon. The season was over for me.
How do you overcome setbacks?
I think setbacks don't exist, just an opportunity to learn how can I do better. Being competitive when you are not professional is really hard so I try to keep perspective and remember why I'm doing this.
What advice do you wish you'd been given before you started competing?
Every race, every podium, every training session you do, make it count! Do it for yourself, not to beat others, to beat the person you were yesterday.
What are your goals for 2020?
My main goal is to earn a place at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship but also just to enjoy every race I do.
Who do you take your inspiration from?
Anyone who gives the best of themselves. I’m an passionate athlete and I love the dedication.
What do you like about Sundried and what’s your favourite bit of our kit?
The kit looks amazing, especially the men's aero skinsuit. The aerodynamic qualities are amazing and it feels really fast! Sundried also has values and cares about ethics and environment which is truly respectable
