Matt Trautman: White water kayaker to Ironman Champion

South African triathlete Matt Trautman grew up on the water, rather than in it. He was a talented kayaker when he was younger, but turned his hand to sailing when he realised he could do it as a job. In 2012 he did his first ever triathlon. In 2014 he turned professional and got his first Ironman win at IM Wales. In 2017 his career was nearly over when he got hit by a car on a training ride and needed emergency spinal fusion. He's since become a Dad and won Ironman 70.3 South Africa. In this interview, Matt talks about: How he got into paddling and sailing after growing up in South Africa His first ever solo trans-Atlantic sailing race in 2009 Dealing with loneliness and lack of sleep when sailing alone The time he was hit a fishing trawler and had to be rescued by the coastguard How he went from sailing to being a champion triathlete The bike crash that nearly ended his life in 2017 and the rehab since Pietermaritzburg's mighty Comrades marathon and Duzi Canoe Marathon Find out more about our guest South African triathlete Matt Trautman We talk about the Dusi canoe marathon which looks EPIC! Healthy Body mini Series with Witsup Hear Episode 2 over at https://www.witsup.com/witsup-podcast/ POWERED BY 33 FUEL This week's show is powered by 33 Fuel – natural and very yummy sports nutrition. They are shipping as usual, so grab some of their daily Greens, fill your boots with delicious natural, nutty Italian style energy bars and Use the code INSIDETRI33 for a discount at checkout at www.33fuel.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices