Westville’s para-triathlete’s wheels turn to Africa champs
After taking a win at the South African Triathlon Champs, Sebastian has set his sight on the World Champs later this year.
WESTVILLE’S para-triathlete Sebastian Crawford clinched a second consecutive national title in the Men’s PT3 Category in the South African Triathlon Championships in Bloemfontein recently.
Sebastian suffers from Cerebral Palsy but has been competing in triathlon’s for the past three years but his focus is now to take on the continent’s best at the African Championships next month.
“It’s great that I was able to defend my national title and to do it in tough conditions was a huge confidence booster,” he said.
“The swim was very rough and the wind picked up on the biking leg and the run was also really tough, so I am really chuffed with my effort in the hard conditions. It really shows that the hard work is starting to pay off but I need to start focusing on the African Champs in Tunisia.”
The Synergy Logistics/Pick n Pay Westville Junction sponsored athlete has been working tirelessly to improve every aspect of his racing.
He is a strong swimmer and knows he needs to train harder in the other disciplines.
He took up triathlons in 2014 and has improved in leaps and bounds, and was proud of the number of high-profile wins under his belt.
He said taking on the best in the world later in the year will be a major stepping stone for him.
“My run is definitely my biggest downfall and I am going to be working really hard on improving that element before the African Champs and the World Champs in Rotterdam in September.
“With the help of everyone at Prime as well as the EADP I am always in really good shape for events. The team have been invaluable, looking after me and making sure that I am always in tip top conditions for races,” said a grateful Sebastian.
Setting targets and goals is an important part of being a professional sports person and Crawford has nailed down some daunting goals for his immediate and long-term future.
“If I can win the African Championships and finish in the top three at the World Championships then I will be incredibly happy. Looking further, my ultimate goal is going to be the Olympic Games in 2020,” he commented.
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