Henri raring to go in Rio
Schoeman said he has also been sussing out the course in Brazil ahead of the Olympic Games.
THE South African Olympic team for the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games to be held in Brazil in August was announced last Thursday. An additional 113 athletes were named to an initial 24 names that were given out in May to bring the total number of participants for the 2016 Games to 137.
Though he has known it for a while, Durban North resident, Henri Schoeman, said he is raring to go in Rio. The former Oakridge College pupil qualified for the games in Yokohama City where he finished seventh in the International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Triathlon Series race.
The 24-year-old is a three-time International Triathlon Union (ITU) African Champion, a two-time 5150 African Champion, an ITU SA champ, an ITU World Cup winner in Tongyeong and a silver medalist at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, and can now add hopeful Olympic medalist to his impressive CV.
Schoeman said he has been sticking to the same training programme ahead of Rio
“I have stuck to the exact same training program I have been following the last few years, increasing intensity lately and working on getting faster. I raced in Stockholm two weeks ago and I raced in Hamburg over the weekend to build up racing fitness and to see where I am in terms of fitness. It’s also to identify areas for improvement in the last few weeks of build-up to Rio. I was in Mallorca between the two races on a warm weather camp to prepare my body for the heat in Rio.
“I am very excited to represent South Africa at my first Olympics. It’s been a dream of mine for a long time. I just wanted to say a special thank you to all those that have supported and believed in me over the years to reach one of my dreams,” he said.
Schoeman said he has also been sussing out the course in Brazil.
“The course in Rio is quite difficult and demanding. Strength on the bike will be important so spending some time in the gym is vital to strengthen my legs for the hill climb on the bike to ensure that you have enough strength for an optimal performance on the run. Ultimately, I want to make South Africa proud,” he said.
