Dixon: Tough year has only improved me
Tri star Dan ready for 2021 after embracing lockdown
RISING triathlon star Daniel Dixon believes 2020’s tribulations have made him a better person – and boosted his hopes of chasing Commonwealth Games glory, writes TONY HODGSON.
Like everyone else this troubled past year, the 18-year-old from Morpeth has cut a frustrated figure as the coronavirus pandemic impacted on his life.
His competitive schedule was restricted, his training routine changed – but the talented youngster refused to let all that get him down.
In fact, he embraced the situation – and now feels in a stronger place going into a potentially crucial 2021.
Dixon said: “I think the year has been positive for me on the whole.
“I feel lucky to have been in a safe environment which allowed me to progress both physically and mentally.
“It has taught me that sport is just a very small part of life but also a very important part.
“I felt I coped with the lockdowns pretty well, my training continued and probably in the most consistent way it ever has minus the swimming but I still swam open water in the sea almost everyday.
“In addition to that I learnt a lot through trying different training methods and recovery strategies too.”
Dixon went on: “It was the lack of racing which was the toughest thing and I really missed all of the emotions you go through in a build-up to a race, during racing and post-race.
“The lack of racing took away lots of motivation but I still set goals for myself to achieve.
“I was lucky enough to have my family around me and I definitely feel I have come out of this a better person, 100%.”
Dixon turned professional in 2020, signing a deal to run for French triathlon club CRV Lyon.
He also took part in a self-organised training camp in Poland and contested his first Half Ironman event – Outlaw X – in Nottingham.
The teenager said: “Joining CRV will be a great opportunity to go and race with some of the best in the world in 2021, which I am really looking forward to.
“Going to Poland was an escape, it just allowed me to be in a country which was relatively restriction-free and clear my head with hard training.
“The Ironman event was eye-opening
to race with the professionals over the longer distance.
“I did not know how my body would cope as it was four times longer than my normal race but my result was very good (he finished eighth) and I did not feel I could have done any better on the day.
“Ultimately it gave me respect for the long-distance athletes and a sense of excitement to move to Half Ironman and full Ironman in the future.”
As for 2021, a confident Dixon is setting his sights high.
He said: “2021 is a very important year for me, perhaps even pivotal in terms of where it may lead to future opportunities.
“I am very focused on winning the European and World Junior Triathlon Championships with my medium-term goal being a place at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
“I hope to compete in France with CRV Lyon a few times along with some continental cup racing in Europe and perhaps some senior racing if I have the chance.”