Livia Gross finished 3rd at the Junior World Championships in Montreal last week! This is the first time since 1991 that a triathlete has won a title in this competition. Livia, who swims with an Orca wetsuit, was kind enough to answer a few questions and give some advice to the triathletes who follow our website.
Livia, can you introduce yourself in a few words?
My name is Livia Gross, I am 18 years old and I come from Fribourg. I am a member of the junior national squad of Swiss Triathlon.
When did you start triathlon?
I completed my first triathlons almost exactly three years ago. I have always been a very active child and have played many sports such as football, volleyball, climbing, skiing, etc.. Through a duathlon in physical education in secondary school, I realised that endurance sports are my strength, as I was able to win the duathlon by a very large margin without training. So 3.5 years ago I also started swimming.
Triathlon is demanding in terms of training. How do you manage to balance your training sessions with your school activity?
At the moment I’m still at school in Fribourg where I’m doing my Matura at a normal high school. This year I realised that it was getting a bit too much with training, competitions and school, so I decided to split my last year of school into two years so that I have more time for recovery.
What advice would you give to young people who are new to triathlon?
I would advise every child to follow their dreams and not listen to others. where I come from there is hardly anyone who does triathlon and in the beginning some people looked at me like I was a fool but if you put a lot of work into it, I’m sure it will pay off one day.
How was the race in Montreal?
Because of the bad water quality the competition became a duathlon. Of course we were disappointed at first, because I was also looking forward to the swim. I think it would have been with neoprene which would have suited me. Of course I knew that duathlon is not a bad format for me, as running is my strongest discipline. The race started very well for me and after the first run I was in the leading group on the bike. The second time I ran I had a bit of trouble finding a good rhythm at the beginning, but luckily the course was 5 km and so I was able to find the flow in the second half and run into third position. I am very happy with this result.
Of the three triathlon disciplines, which one do you feel most comfortable with?
Running has always been my strength and I think it’s what I like best. But of course I love the variety of all three sports.
And finally, what are your next goals for the season?
All the important championships are over now. I’m really looking forward to the second part of the season, because I want to gain experience without pressure, including French Grand Prix races and maybe one or two elite European Cups.
Thank you very much Livia, and congratulations!