Keeping His Day Job

Karen Doane catches up with last week's winner in Australia

What did you do during your last school vacation? Most of us probably thought it was all about no school, no homework, train, relax, party. Any of you hear one of your teacher's say, "I'm going to try and win an Ironman in Australia over the long weekend?" You would have if you lived in New Caledonia.

Patrick Vernay, 33, winner of this year's Panthers Ironman Australia Triathlon, is also a fulltime sports teacher back home in Noumea, New Caledonia, and has no plans to quit his day job. Despite his continual top ten finishes at Ironman races (he finished second here last year and 10th overall in Hawaii), he is also married and a devoted father of one. Vernay seems to have it all.

“I enjoy my job and I enjoy triathlon,” said Vernay in his hesitant English. “I am so lucky to be able to do both. Today was the best day of my life!”

After racing against Chris McCormack in last year’s Panther’s Ironman Australia, and staying with him until the last 10 km of the run, Vernay put together an incredible race on Sunday to finish nearly four minutes ahead of Australian Jason Shortis.

“I had to work on my bike and run for this year’s race,” smiled Vernay. “I was very happy to know Chris was not racing today, but it was still very tough.”

Sharing the lead on the swim with two others, but only 11 seconds in front of crowd favorites Shortis and Craig Alexander, Vernay was quick to set the pace on the bike, leaving most competitors behind after 120 km. Another Aussie, Cameron Watt, continued to try and match Vernay’s pace, however paid for it as he stepped onto the run course.

“I know Jason is a great marathon runner so I had to be in front and run very hard,” recalls Vernay. “He looked very strong when I would see him on the run. I had some problems on the run; I think because I swallowed some water in the swim and upset my stomach. I just kept pushing myself.”

Another motivating factor was seeing his father, Guy, 60, on the course during the marathon. (Guy eventually finished third in his age group, only 13 seconds behind second!)
“I was very happy to have my father here racing and my mother to cheer us on,” smiled Vernay. “This is a really special win for me in Australia because there are so many good athletes here.

“It was very special for me today in many ways. I just could not have done it without the volunteers and support of the crowds. I just have to thank them all for helping me win today. Merci!”

Now the focus will be to prepare for the Ford Ironman World Championship this October …that is if he can get permission from the principal back at school.

You can reach Karen Doane at kdoane@ironman.com