Gavin Thorne was born in the Northern Areas of Gqeberha and while growing up he was always an active child.
At nine he started swimming, and later in his teens qualified as a surf lifeguard, but his passion for triathlons only started when Thorne volunteered at the Ironman as a Water Safety Officer.
“I did my first Ironman in 2013, and I’ve never looked back,” he said.
After Thorne witnessed handicapped athletes not only taking part, but also succeeding in triathlons that demand so much from the body, he was inspired.
“I was then selected as part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Triathlon team to take part in the South African Triathlon championships and obtained good results,” the athlete added.
This performance secured Thorne a spot in the South African Triathlon team which will participate in the 2023 World Triathlon Age-Group Championships Ponteverda in Spain, from September 22 to 24. Thorne is the only athlete from the Eastern Cape in the national team.
“This will be my first trip abroad. I’m beside myself with excitement, as you can imagine, especially because what’s taking me there is something I’m very passionate about. God really saved my life through this sport. I left things like drinking behind – my life is so much better now. The support from my friends and family is also something I don’t take for granted. Without my wife, Shiree, and our four beautiful children, I would not have made it this far,” said Thorne.
The 42-year-old athlete also thought it a crime not to mention his colleagues, Ashley Searle and Willem Olifant, who helped him look for sponsorship, drafting letters and even going out and looking for sponsors.
Thorne is also grateful for the financial support from his sponsors, including the mayor’s office, friends, colleagues and SRH Fire Protection CEO, Sheldon Human, who sadly died recently.
“He sponsored over half of my trip expenses. He really believed in me since the day he met me through this sport; I’m grateful to him and I’m determined to make his memory proud.” It was hard to miss the sadness in his voice.
Thorne hopes his life journey will inspire people not to be afraid to start whatever it is they want to, despite age.
“I also hope to do a bit of sightseeing while abroad,” the shy athlete chuckled.
