Never, Ever Give Up?

John Hellemans looks back on his long career in triathlon, initially as a successful competitor, and subsequently as a coach and sports medicine doctor for some of New Zealand's best-performing triathletes. Hellemans won six national titles and represented New Zealand at several world championship events and the 1990 Commonwealth Games. As an amateur he has won eight age-group world championship titles. Erin Baker, Jenny Rose, Craig Watson, Ben Bright, Kris Gemmell, Rachel Klamer, Maaike Caelers and Andrea Hewitt figure amongst the many triathletes he has coached at world championship and Olympic level. In this frank, entertaining and often poignant account he provides a fascinating insight into the professional triathlon world and its personalities. His exploration of the compulsive attraction of one of the toughest sports, which has kept him hooked until his 60s, will appeal to anyone with an interest in human nature as well as to sports enthusiasts. Hellemans relives significant episodes from his family life in Holland where he grew up under the threat of the Cold War, and recounts his adventures as a young doctor in rural New Zealand, adjusting to a different culture and its customs. As well as relating his own trials, triumphs and tribulations in the sport, Hellemans describes the courage and determination of the athletes he has coached, as they overcame injury and other setbacks to compete at world level and he shares the excruciating intensity of watching when sometimes they come to grief. 'Never, Ever Give Up?' explores the motivation that kept Hellemans going back for more and that saw him complete the gruelling Hawaii Ironman in searing heat at the age of 60. Less than two years later, he suffered and exercise-induced cardiac event during a local cross-country run. Was his body telling him to give up?

A Biker's Tale

The Tour Aotearoa is a mountain-biking ‘brevet’ (a timed, long-distance cycling event) that spans the length of New Zealand. It starts at the northernmost point of the North Island, Cape Reinga, and finishes at Stirling Point, just south of Bluff at the bottom of the South Island.

The Tour is held annually and requires participants to follow a set route covering 3,000 km, consisting of existing mountain bike trails scattered throughout the country and connected by back-country roads. The Tour is unsupported, so participants carry their own gear. To be awarded the brevet, riders must cover the full distance within 30 days.

The writer took part in the 2018 edition of the Tour. His experience was different from what he expected. He encountered a range of challenges, from getting lost to physical ailments, severe weather and loneliness. In between, he had plenty of time to reflect and let his thoughts and imagination run free. It helped him pass the time. He was often seen late at night, furiously hammering away on his laptop, regardless of how tired he was, reliving the day’s events and reflections. It helped him make sense of his journey and how it fitted into the complex world we live in. He called it his ‘administration’.

The result is a hilarious tale about an epic event, told from a unique perspective. To appreciate the story, the reader needs to be young at heart, with a vivid imagination and a love of adventure. If that sounds like you, join the writer on his journey and experience his daily ups and downs.