Triathlete Horne trusts the process

Nicholas Horne isn’t just chasing medals on the local circuit – he’s using every victory as fuel for a far bigger dream: standing on the Olympic stage and conquering the Ironman World Championship in Kona.

The 16-year-old from Meyersdal secured his second successive sprint distance title at the SEESA Jozi Triathlon at CR Swart Dam on September 27, winning in a dominant 01:02:38 – five seconds faster than his 01:02:43 finish last year. He also claimed gold in his category at the Central Gauteng Triathlon Championships, which were incorporated into the event.

“It’s always good to win another title to add to the collection. I’m always happy to represent Gauteng. I’m looking forward to the South African championships next year,” he said.

Horne’s 2024 season has been packed with milestones. In March, he clinched the Junior Africa Cup in Zimbabwe and topped the Boys’ 16–17 category at the Triathlon SA sprint champs, also held at CR Swart Dam. But his highlight came in June, when he took silver at the World Triathlon Duathlon Championships in Spain.

“I didn’t have a good start to the season. It wasn’t the greatest. But I went to Europe to do some racing there. I came second at the Duathlon World Champs in Spain. It was the highlight of my year. I’m looking forward to next year. I’ve got some big things planned. Hopefully, it all plays out well.”

With his sights set on representing South Africa at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles and one day lifting the Ironman crown in Kona, Horne knows the path ahead demands grit.

“Anyone who does an individual sport has goals of going to the Olympics. Los Angeles 2028 is a goal for me. Further than that, I’m looking at winning the Ironman in Kona. I’m still 16. The process is right. This is all a stepping stone. I’m here for the journey,” he said.

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