A young man from Worcester who has proven to be destined for greatness has, despite health complications and a lengthy recovery period, been able to compete in triathlon and be crowned the Africa Champ.
Nicholas Quenet, an acclaimed tri-athlete, has proven that no hurdle is too high for him.
The athlete, who has always been working towards his dream of competing in the Commonwealth and Olympic games, received devastating news which had potentially placed his dreams at risk.
Quenet underwent heart surgery in 2019 after having multiple heart irregularities that led to arrhythmias and mini attacks, and he endured a recovery period of about 20 months before being able to line up to participate in the multi-sport.
After the diagnosis, the young man was in and out of hospital for about six months with a recovery period of another eight to nine months.
“The prognosis was that I would never be able to compete on an elite level in sport ever again,” Quenet said. “I gave up a few times, as the results at my check-ups never seemed to be in my favour. For a long period, the future of my sport looked very unpromising, but I never gave up, had the right people in my life and they carried me through the toughest years of my short life.”
The route back to training was a lengthy one. Even longer to competing again. Quenet shared he had to undergo diet changes, see psychologists, do conditioning sessions as well as constant monitoring of his heart. “The whole process before I was able to line up was probably 18-20 months.”
Speaking of his love for the sports Quenet said he had always been a swimmer, but eventually took up triathlons when he was 18.
“My dad is an ex-south African champion triathlete, so all I wanted to do as a youngster was be just like him. I’m still like that to this day and still see myself looking at his training diaries when he was younger.”
Asked about what he enjoys most about the sport, the triathlete mentions two things: “Firstly, I have an obsessive personality and the thrill of constantly wanting to refine my craft is exhilarating as I know the process has no limit. Secondly, the second aspect I enjoy is the most wonderful places I have been fortunate to have travelled to with this sport and the variety of people I have come into contact with all over the globe.”
Considering all he has gone through, one would think he has a quote he lives by – but no, not Quenet.
“I’m not a believer in motivation keeping one going, but rather rigid and positive habits,” he says. “This sport is a major part of my life and without it my lifestyle feels slightly inadequate hence it’s not a job or a hobby, but a part of me.”
In the recent race in Bloemfontein, where he was crowned the Africa champion, the triathlete says it was the first-selection race for commonwealth games.
“I was ecstatic to win the Sprint SA title. I have been patiently putting in the work, making sacrifices more than I can count and have just kept focused on what I believe I was able to achieve. The hard work has truly showed in this race and has left me with a deep sense of satisfaction.
“I have dreamt about the Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games since I knew what the magnitude of these games entailed. So it would really be a childhood dream come true.”
His next qualification race is in PE on 20 March, then in April Swakopmund in Namibia and then hopefully the games in July in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
