Sam Long focussed on becoming T100 world champion in London

By Ayisha Gulati

Sam Long is focussing all his energy in becoming the first ever champion in the T100 World Triathlon Tour ahead of the weekend’s race in London.

The American has sacrificed on the longer distance races this year in order to be as prepared as possible for the 100km triathlon distance that is required in this series.

In his quest to become World Champion, he stressed the importance of playing to his strengths as he races against the best in the world.

“I want to try to become the first ever world champion at this series and that is an amazing goal to have,” the 28-year-old said.

“The field is competitive enough that it calls for full attention and I’m at full peace with that.

“I still have ambitions to do the full Ironman. But with how the year’s been falling, it’s been great to have a narrower focus.

“I want to do it all and it’s hard not to, but you have to focus. A jack of all trades is a master of none.”

The T100 Triathlon World Tour 2024 features 40 contracted athletes competing in eight events around the world in a 100km triathlon distance.

London is the fourth event, with Miami, Singapore and San Francisco completed and Ibiza, Las Vegas, Dubai, and a Grand Final in the Middle East still to come.

Despite being a weaker swimmer than others in the race, Long has faith in his abilities on dry land.

“Ultimately, it’s about being the best triathlete and not being the best at one discipline,” he added.

“So, my training is around minimising weaknesses and playing to my strengths.

“I am by far the weakest swimmer. But once I get out of the water and I’m on land, I’m the strongest land mammal. So, I have to chase and come from the rear but I’m okay with that.”

Long’s trip to the UK for the race is his first time in London, something he is very excited about.

“I’m really looking forward to racing here,” he added. “London and the whole country have a huge triathlon community so it’s great to see what England’s about.

“Although, it’s a little dreary here – it’s the peak of summer and it’s cloudy and rainy! But for me the cool temperatures have felt amazing.

“My fiancé and 11-month-old baby boy are here with me, and we have time to see London after the race and I’m really looking forward to that. It’s great to see the world with my family.

“What I’m doing is comparable to any job putting the hours in, whether you’re a triathlon or a banker, family is always at the forefront of the mind.

“I’m away a lot, training a lot, and sometimes have low mental availability, but family is everything. They are always the reason why I do this.

“When they get to travel with me, they give me so much energy. My family is so amazing, and I just love them so much.

“My ambitions for Sunday are to do as well as possible. I’m always shooting for the win, but we’ll see what happens.

“Hopefully, there’ll be lots of crowd support and ‘Yo Yo Yo’ still rings strong in the streets here!”

The first London T100 Triathlon weekend on 27-28 July is entirely free for spectators and includes a dedicated T100 Watch Party venue at the ExCel London Exhibition Centre for the very first time. Where fans will be able to see the world’s best triathletes come past at least 10 times during the 100km race format (2km swim, 80km run, 18 km swim). As well as being able to follow them live, out on the course, thanks to a big screen.