Triathlete Suresh Sam Chandy eyes sixth Ironman title after a successful stint in Brazil

“The tagline of the Ironman triathlon is ‘Anything is Possible’. Yet, it is a seemingly impossible task and a larger-than-life experience. This possibility gravitated me towards this race,” says triathlete Suresh Sam Chandy, who recently completed the race for the fifth time at Florianopolis in Brazil — crossing off South America in his pursuit to finish the endurance challenge in six continents. And his next and final destination? Africa.

The Ironman triathlon, a global endurance challenge, involves swimming for 3.8 kilometres, biking for 180.4 kilometres and running a full marathon for 42.2 kilometres. In his recent try, the Thiruvananthapuram-born and raised athlete finished the race in 15 hours, 56 minutes, and 31 seconds. “Heavy winds and cross winds were making riding difficult. The climbs were steady and very long,” says the 42-year-old.

Previously, Sam completed the challenges in Copenhagen (Denmark), Langkawi (Malaysia), Florida (USA), and Busselton (Australia). While his first challenge was completed in 14 hours and nine minutes, he finished the following three within a span of 58 days.

Suresh Sam Chandy in Florida (USA) during the Ironman triathlon
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Apart from its challenges, Sam was drawn to the the Ironman triathlon to put his passion for swimming and running to the test. “I used to swim from a young age and have been part of the running communities in the cities I have worked in. I am also a member of the ITEN Runners Club in Thiruvananthapuram. I just needed to get a start on cycling,” says Sam, who works at Ernst & Young at Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram.

“My work extends to 12 hours on some days. My training hours revolve around my working hours. It has swimming, biking, strengthening and conditioning components. Once I register for an event, I train 12 to 20 hours a week.” says the triathlete.

“I wake up at 4.30 in the morning and swim for two hours. I eat and ensure my body recovers for the next workout. I do a bike or running workout after work and an indoor workout for two hours around noon,” says Sam.

Location-specific preparation is the key. For the next edition in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Sam is expecting strong winds, unsettled seas and uneven terrains. He is preparing for the swim with hand paddles, weighing his arms down. “I need to ensure that my swim strokes are powerful with the paddle. So when I take off the paddles for the competition, I can swim faster,” says Sam.

“Getting acclimatised to the place is quite necessary. I am planning to go a bit early for a few practice swims, rides and runs so that I get accustomed to the water, land and air of the place,” says Sam, preparing for the race in April 2026.