Name:Jesse Wetzl

Age: 18, Sault Ste. Marie

Years Participated in the St. Joseph Island Triathlon:

2004 to 2008 including the Kids of Steel Triathlon and the Sprint Triathlon

Tri Coach: Sherri Smith

Favourite Discipline: Bike

Most embarrassing triathlon / duathlon moment:

“This actually happened in my first race this year, I went in thinking it was going to be a good race, an easy win even since it was a smaller race.  I was thinking while setting up my bike, “hey, why not throw my road shoes (for my lack of tri shoes) on my pedals so I can just speed through the transition in no time at all.”  Big mistake.  Little did I know road shoes were made specifically so they are impossible to put on while riding, if they were already attached to the pedals.  Well lucky me, I got one shoe on and strapped in just in time to catch a gust of wind to take away my speed, and before I knew it I was on the ground in a pile with my brand new bike.

Being the most experience triathlete in the race did not help my pride either.  Anyways long story short I ended up jamming my brake, leading to an awful bike time, getting me third in the race though anyways.  Luckily we got a picture of me on the ground and it was on Facebook in a flash.”

Favourite piece of training / racing gear: “My bike.  Every triathlete (well me and most people I know anyways) introduced into the world of cycling can’t help but get sucked in to the appeal of every nice road bike they see.  It hurts me that my sisters and parents don’t care for my bike, it’s so pretty!  Plus I don’t see anyone doing too well without one . . .”

Motivation:

“When I was just a little gaffer in elementary school, I would always go out for as many sport teams as I could.  But I was awful, one of the worst hands down, with the exception of running.  In cross country, I was decent and same with track, usually finishing in the top 15 in cross country and top 3 in my track events.  This still didn’t change the fact that my teachers saw me as “that skinny kid who probably wouldn’t amount to much.”  I remember in gym class my teachers would always compliment the kids who did well, but I always did something wrong.  Most people, including me, would look at this and say “oh get over it.” But after that it gave me some sort of drive to show them that I could become something, and succeed when they thought I never could. 

Anyways, this drive just sort of stuck with me and now I find it hard to stop training.  I like seeing really hard working athletes, who are always out doing something.  Whenever I see these people it just makes me want to do the same, so that also helps me to keep with it as well.”

Achilles Heel: “Early mornings.  Ugh . . . especially when you really just want to go back to bed instead of jumping in a pool.  Of course you still end up at the pool anyways . . .”

Energy Drink of Choice: “Hammer HEED, lemon lime.   mmmmm.”

Comment: “Fun fact - the first triathlon I ever did was the Kids of Steel on St. Joe’s.  I was 12, and I won the boys 12 - 1 3 age group, but got second overall.  Yes, I was beat by a girl.  She was really, really fast though . . . “

Name: Michael Barbeau

Nickname: Barbs

Age:36, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Residence:Sault Ste Marie, Ontario

St. Joseph Island Triathlon Events Participated in:

2008 - Olympic Triathlon

2007 - Sprint Triathlon

2006 - Volunteer

Tri Coach: Paul Milosovich and the Internet

Favourite Discipline: Swim

Most Embarrassing triathlon / duathlon moment:

“It would have to be the first St. Joe’s Sprint that I attempted.  I awoke early enough the day of the race and ate a large, healthy, protein packed breakfast thinking that the hour drive and two hours that I gave myself before the race that I would have time to digest and use the men’s room in relative peace and quiet.  Little did I calculate that with the combination of adrenaline, nerves, protein and one Port-a-Potty that my luck was running out for a quiet pre-race routine.

Needless to say I survived  the ‘potty line’ and was able to enjoy my accomplishment of finishing the St. Joe’s Sprint Triathlon.  I have sinced learned that all of the races that I have competed in have the same “line up and individual sprint to the potty.”"

Favourite piece of training / racing gear:

“I would not be able to train without my tunes .  . . my ROVON running hat and my short little buddy, MILO.”

Motivation:

“I have multiple motivators for putting myself through pain each year.  Firstly, to ensure that all the young people especially my step son and niece see the need to be healthy and active throughout their life span.  It is also a great way to meet different people and network outside of the main sports.

It allows my buddies and I to remain competitive, and have an excuse to have a few summer beverages.

And most importantly to support our community and those who strive to do great things . . . and Sherri and her team have provided a great weekend for all ages, fitness levels, businesses, sponsors and athletes.”

Achilles Heel:

“Age and finding time.”

Energy Drink of Choice:

“Bud Light”

Comment:

“Originally I began triathlons as a dare from a few work colleagues.  I trained on my own with no real schedule or training process, and I was frightened out of my mind about what “Race Day” was going to be like as I had never experienced anything like it before.  Other than golf, all of my accolades came from team sports. 

After my first race was finished and I realized that not everyone was a professional, I was amazed at the regular ‘weekend warriors’ (kids, non-athletes, the ageless) who were competing for their own reasons; health; enjoyment; competition; new direction and many more, and I was extremely touched and overwhelmed by the nature of the people who attended as participants, volunteers and spectators  . . . it was amazing.

I just want to thank Sherri and all of the sponsors, volunteers, and participants who make this weekend such as success.”

Name: Ryan Zago

Nickname: Wee Man

Age, Birth Place: 11, the hospital

Currently resides in: my house

Years participating in the St. Joseph Island Triathlon: 2007 and 2008 in Kids of Steel

Tri Coach: What’s his face

Favourite discipline: Bike

Most embarrassing triathlon / duathlon moment:

“When I got buried by other racers at the turning buoy in the swim and the lifeguard dragged me out from under the water by my trunks and launched me ahead of the rabid bunch.”

Favourite piece of training / racing gear:

“My bike and super tight pink swim cap.”

Motivation:

“Builds my cardio, fitness, and race start experience for my ski racing.”"

Achilles Heel:

“Beer.  Just kidding.  Lack of self confidence and cardio.”

Energy Drink of Choice: Blue Gatorade

Comment:

“I appreciate it if Sherri chases me down if I am going the wrong way at the triathlon - just like I did when she ran down the wrong trail at the Frontier Adventure Challenge.  Man, she’s fast!”  [Editor's Note: "You got it buddy, Sherri."]