John Hill - Race Number 607

(The first of three stories on our Kona competitors.)


John `Where’s me hat?’ Hill is the most accomplished triathlete representing the Hillbillies in Kona. He is relentless with his training and his passion for the sport is infinite.

The October 15th event will be the fifth race in as many weeks for John – Brat Duathlon, World Duathlon, Honolulu Sprint, Worlds Olympic Hawaii and then the Ironman World Championships.

“All I’ll say is it’s those people that do the work that get the results,’’ John says. “Every year I get people wondering why they don’t get quicker or achieve their goals. The only way to do it is consistency and do the work.’’

With more than 30 ironmans on his resume, including 11 in Hawaii, he asks no more of anyone than he himself is prepared to do. He asks for patience too. After racing 10 years in Kona, John was finally rewarded with his first podium finish, taking fifth in 2004. He had placed 8th the previous two years.

“Those that have chipped away for a year or two or three and [remain] frustrated; remember that it took me four years to even get a medal, 10 years to get on the podium at Hawaii,’’ John says. “If you are realistic about your goals, you’ll enjoy every day. Being fit and healthy is often overlooked, so grab it while you have the opportunity.”

John, apparently sponsored by High5, has represented Australia at every distance, and even Norfolk Island as a duathlete.

At times John is a bit hard to understand. You can teach an engineer how to build a bridge, but not how to spell -- another of life's mysteries. (John claims that he can spell; he’s just a lazy typer!)

John is the rare coach who can outrace most of his athletes. He is amazing to watch, has a wealth of knowledge about racing and nutrition, and is keen to offer advice.

He is demanding in that he writes some of the toughest training programs around, and attracts the most motivated athletes, or so goes his reputation. The results of his athletes show that hard work and dedication pay off.

Yet he’s the first to say that a 180 km bike ride followed by a 32 km run isn’t for everyone.

However, if you see that brick on your Sunday schedule, take it as a sign of confidence. The coach believes in you. Go to bed early Saturday, get up early Sunday and just do it.

John Hill – Race number 607