Search
shop

Olympic bronze medallist almost called it quits ahead of Challenge Roth debut but now “exactly where I’m supposed to be”

The 33-year-old completed his first Ironman-distance race at Challenge Roth
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

South African triathlon star and 2016 Olympic bronze medallist Henri Schoeman admitted he felt “incredible” after competing at Challenge Roth following 18 months of questioning his professional career.

The 33-year-old has struggled to showcase his abilities during the past two seasons and although on the surface a 44th place finish at Challenge Roth may not appear to arrest concerns to the casual observer, Schoeman was overjoyed to be competing over the full distance for the first time.

“At the beginning of the year, a goal I set for myself was to debut in the long distance and why not at the Home of Triathlon – Roth,” he posted on Instagram at the conclusion of the event.

“The race felt incredible with so much cheers, support and raw emotion around the entire course.”

Advertisement

Close to calling it quits

Following a turbulent year and a half, Schoeman admitted that he had considered bringing his professional career to an end on multiple occasions due to a persistent knee injury and lack of faith.

Schoeman almost called it quits over the last 18 months [Photo Credit: Super League Triathlon]

“In all honesty, for the last year and a half I’ve been in a very bad place. In part because of a knee injury but also because a lot of people, including myself has lost faith in me and my ability. I called it more than once on my career because the pain becomes unbearable and at times it feels like it will never go away.

“Trivial as it may sound, when my Instagram account got hacked, I thought it might have been a sign that I should quietly disappear and that’s when I truly got lost.

“Out of pure luck I found a loophole to get a post out onto my account, a media agency found it, got me a direct contact to Facebook and I got my account back. It felt amazing to be seen again and reconnected with my social media family. The feeling of support and belief was a great boost.”

Moving in the right direction

Schoeman has seen signs of his undoubted talent in training and suggests the last month in particular has been extremely encouraging.

He added: “I’ve had massive improvements in my running and I was able to finally put in some volume. Then I race in Roth, no expectations but to learn and have fun with the race. It delivered on every aspect and I have been humbled by the spirit of triathlon and just being part of it.

“I didn’t feel fantastic on the day and had to take my foot off the gas after 110km on the bike. I took it all in and with respect to everyone, I crossed the finish line. I lost my voice and I’ll spend a week or two to fully recover but this will stay with me forever.”

“I found exactly where I’m supposed to be.”

Stuart Dick
Written by
Stuart Dick
Stuart is a graduate of the University of Sunderland with a masters' degree in Sports Journalism. He spends a lot of his time running and cycling around West Yorkshire, England.
Discover more
tri-fit vortex tri suit review
TRI-FIT VORTEX tri suit review – race day approved performance
Maja Stage Nielsen Kat Matthews Jocelyn McCauley IRONMAN Texas 2023 podium photo credit IRONMAN
PremiumRacing to keep up: Is social media making us train harder?
Cadomotus chronos aero triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
latest News
Sam Renouf CEO of the PTO
T100 Valencia replacement announced as PTO chief acknowledges “challenges” with 2025 calendar
ironman hamburg 2025 podium laura philipp kat matthews solveig lovseth
Matthews and Løvseth clash again in star-studded IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See
Jonny Brownlee with bike transition Supertri Toronto 2025
Supertri Chicago 2025: Date, start time, how to watch live and who’s racing
Frederic Funk media day Challenge Roth 2025
IRONMAN Switzerland starts ‘Road to Kona 2026’ for Funk and co
Kristian Blummenfelt wins Challenge Samarkand 2024
Challenge Samarkand 2025 race preview: everything you need to know as next gen stars and former Olympians take to the start line in the ‘jewel of ancient Asia’
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...