In seven weeks, Aaron Zanevra will test himself on the world stage for the first time.
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The 24-year-old electrician will trade George Town for Canada in August as he looks to test where his fledgling triathlon journey is at.
Zanevra will represent Australia at the Penticton ITU Multisport World Championships Festival after qualifying for the long course race with a 18 to 15 age-group win at March’s Coles Bay Triathlon.
“I started three years ago and I’ve found a love for the sport,” he said.
“I’ve kind of followed my elder brother Scott who competes quite seriously in Ironman events.
“I went and watched him in Hawaii at the Ironman world championships in 2015 and I just got the bug.
“I went and bought a cheap bike and I fell in love with it after that.”
Zanevra, coached by Launceston triathlete Dylan Hill, has begun training daily for his Canadian task, which will see him take on competitors in a first a cross the line three-kilometre swim, 120km bike ride and a 30km run battle of endurance.
He has put playing senior football for George Town on hold in preparation.
“I’m training sometimes twice a day and up to 20 hours a week with a swim and a run during the week and on the bike over the weekend,” the former Star of the Sea and Newstead College student said.
“Training is quite demanding and you can train all you like, but the biggest challenge on race day is the people. I did a race in Western Australia in December and I had 2000 people swimming around me, It scares the hell out of you – it’s very intimidating.”
The trip will double as an opportunity for Zanevra to visit family living in Penticton and to travel to the other side of the globe.
He said he is most looking forward to the experience and meeting new people.
“I want to take the sport as far as I can go,” Zanevra said.
“I’m passionate about it and I always think that if you’re passionate about something, you should give it 100 per cent.”
He said his ultimate goal is to match his brother and qualify for the Ironman world championships at Kona.
I did a race in Western Australia in December and I had 2000 people swimming around me and it scares the hell out of you – it’s very intimidating.
- George Town triathlete Aaron Zanevra
“You have to be the very best to get there and Scott is my driver,” Zanevra said.
“It’s just a matter of time and I’ve just got to get as fit as I can, become the best I can and be happy at the same time.”
The week-long Canadian multisport festival runs from August 18 to 27.