Well, yesterday didn't go to plan.
After more than 40 years in triathlon, and my first Ironman DNF (Did Not Finish) since the MMM Ironman in Sydney back in 1986 when I was just 16 years old, it's fair to say I'm disappointed.
The Swim: A Washing Machine
The swim was challenging, with plenty of swell and rough conditions that turned the course into a bit of a washing machine. Despite that, I managed to get through in around 1:07 and was later told I was sitting 3rd in my age group heading out onto the bike.
That's where things took a turn.
The Decision to Stop
Unfortunately, while running through transition and onto the bike, my calf tightened significantly. I hoped it would settle once I got riding, but it continued to worsen.
By around the 60km mark, it was extremely painful just turning the pedals over, and I made the difficult decision to call it a day.
Right now, the priority is getting it assessed properly once I'm back in Brisbane and understanding exactly what damage has been done.
One Race Doesn't Define a Season
While the result hurts, one race doesn't define a season.
Looking back, this has been one of my most successful years in the sport:
- ✅ 9 races
- ✅ 9 podium finishes
- ✅ Queensland Triathlon Series Age Group Champion
- ✅ Selected for the Australian Age Group Team
For that, I'm incredibly grateful.
Thank You
A huge thank you to my wife, Gerri, my family, friends, fellow athletes, volunteers, race officials, and everyone who has followed the journey, supported me throughout the season, commented on posts, sent messages, or simply cheered from the sidelines.
The support means more than you probably realise.
What Sport Teaches Us
Sport has a way of teaching us lessons whether we finish the race or not. Yesterday wasn't the ending I wanted, but it won't be the end of the story.
If you've ever had a DNF, a bad race, or a day where your body just wouldn't cooperate — you know the feeling. It's gutting in the moment. But it also reveals something important:
You care enough to be disappointed.
And athletes who care are the ones who come back stronger.
What's Next
Time to recover, regroup, and work out what's next.
The immediate focus:
- Get the calf properly assessed
- Allow proper recovery — no rushing back
- Plan the path forward to the World Championships in Pontevedra, Spain
The season isn't over. The journey continues.
Final Thought
Thanks again for being part of the journey.
Because that's what this is — a journey. Not every chapter ends the way you'd write it. But every chapter adds to the story.
And this story isn't finished yet.
— Des Cairns, Australia