Achieving growth

When he first attended the competition in Kona in 2015, there were only two competitors from the Chinese mainland. Li has seen the sport growing in China, though, as he has found himself in familiar company in Kona on recent visits-this year, the number of competitors from the Chinese mainland had grown to 33.

"Over the past two years, I noticed there were four triathlon competitions held in different cities in one weekend, and I realized this sport is getting popular in China," says Li, who wants to help promote the sport with his good results.

Last year, the national games allowed amateur triathletes to take part in the professional competition for the first time, if they could pass the qualification competition. Li was attracted by the challenge and started to prepare the minute he heard the news.

On Sept 3, 2017, Li stood on the start line as he had hoped, becoming the first and only amateur to compete in triathlon at the national games. He finished 17th out of 39 athletes.

"It was the most difficult race, as all my competitors are professional. However, they respect me, and we bonded after the race," Li says.

Currently competing in the 25-29 age group, Li says the most competitive section is the one he will join in three years time, the 30-34 age group. He has upgraded his training accordingly in readiness for the step-up.

Triathletes usually have to train alone. Loneliness is a difficulty they all have to overcome, but Li feels lucky that his wife supports him. When he goes out running, his wife rides alongside on a bike, providing encouragement and supplies.

This year, Li has also switched coaches, finding one who has helped him to train harder and more professionally, which led to him achieving a personal best at the Kona race in October. He wrote on his WeChat moments after one day's training: "Hate your coach on training day; love him on race day."

As for the future, turning professional is an option for Li, even though he knows it is a long road.

"But," he says, "anything is possible."

Contact the writer at liyingxue@chinadaily.com.cn