Trust the Process - From Bucket List to World Championship

In September 2025, on an ordinary Sunday afternoon in Nice, France, I crossed the finish line of the Ironman World Championship. After 226 grueling kilometers, including a choppy swim in the Mediterranean, 2,500+ meters of climbing on the Provençal bike course, and a windswept marathon along the Côte d’Azur, the announcer’s words hit me: “You are an Ironman!” The cheers and emotions were overwhelming. Earning a spot at Worlds for my first full Ironman felt like both pure luck and hard-earned reward, etching that day into my memory forever.

My triathlon journey started post-pandemic, when I finally turned a long-held bucket list dream into reality. At that time, I only wanted to try the shortest distance to experience it and never knew where my limits were. What I quickly learned is that triathlon demands more than physical endurance—it’s a test of mental resilience and community support. The grind is real: early alarms, endless solo rides, forgoing social outings, and battling aches. But embracing structure helped me build steadily without burnout.

I found my edge at No Limits Coaching HK. Coach Ruby’s focus on structured, scientific training mixed with great social vibe aligned perfectly with my approach, turning solo efforts into shared victories with teammates.

When I had a bike crash in the summer of 2024 that led to an infection requiring surgery, I reflected on my mistakes and saw them as correctable lessons. I chose to push forward, even confirming my TT bike order from the hospital bed. I returned to training and kept trusting the process. Little did I know, just a year later, I’d earn my entry to Nice.

A massive thank you to my family, coaches, teammates, friends, the organizers and volunteers for making this possible.

This adventure reinforces a simple truth: With a clear vision, patience, and daily steps forward, big goals become achievable. If you’re chasing your own Ironman story, remember: trust the process and get 1% closer today.

Written by Enoch Kang