By Kimberly Yamaguchi
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On Oct. 23, 675 professional and amateur athletes participated in the rigorous Xterra World Championship in Kapalua, Maui. People from 23 different countries and 42 American states competed, including Junior Lindsey Dewald, who finished the triathlon in just under five hours, making him one of the youngest to complete the race.
“(Competing in the Xterra) felt good. I got to race Lance Armstrong,” said Dewald. The 2011 Xterra Maui is a world championship triathlon for people ages 15 and up. It consisted of a one-mile swim, 18.3-mile mountain bike and a 6.1-mile run. The participants ranged from professionals like Lance Armstrong to amateur high school athletes such as Dewald.
In order to participate, the athletes had to complete a qualifying triathlon. “They made this rule last year that pros have to qualify with like seven races, but then normal people only have to do like one,” explained Dewald. A few months prior to the championships in Maui, Dewald participated in a triathlon at Kualoa Ranch, which made him eligible to compete.
“I’m excited for him, I know he was nervous and had to do a lot of extra training to make sure that he can complete the whole race,” said Lisa Dewald, Lindsey Dewald’s mother. She, along with Lindsey’s two younger brothers and father supported and encouraged Lindsey as he trained for the triathlon. “His father helps him prepare for it by training with him on the weekends. Saturday or Sunday morning, if they don’t have anything planned, they’ll go out for a long bike ride or a swim or they’ll go out for a long run,” Lisa Dewald explained. Lindsey Dewald added, “(I swim) 20 hours a week, 20 miles of running and then like 60 miles of biking a week.”
As one of the youngest competitors, Lindsey Dewald’s goal was to simply finish the race. “My goal for the race was to finish; it was a hard race.” Despite its challenges, finishing the race made his rigorous training worthwhile. “The best part is the finish. It gives you a sense of accomplishment,” he continued.
Lindsey Dewald’s family and friends had confidence in his ability. “I expected him to do well because he was preparing so hard for it, doing a lot of training with his dad, (and) he did very well,” said Lisa Dewald.
“(The Xterra) taught me discipline. It taught me not to give up,” explained Lindsey Dewald. His family also noticed the improvement in him. “(The Xterra) helped Lindsey prove to himself that something may look like it’s impossible, but nothing is impossible because he completed it. I think, if anything, it would encourage him even more to take another step up and do something even longer or harder and challenge himself more,” said Lisa Dewald.
Lindsey Dewald hopes to continue competing in triathlons, aiming for his goal to one day join the United States Coast Guard.
