Canadian long-distance star Cody Beals says he hasn’t given up on a storybook ending to his triathlon career despite a challenging season so far.
A multiple IRONMAN and 70.3 winner, Beals’ best season so far came in 2018 when he netted four victories in succession and five in total.
He hasn’t stood on the top step of the podium since IRONMAN Lake Placid in 2022 but he was second, just 20 seconds behind Sam Long, at IRONMAN Chattanooga last September.
However he has now dropped down to #178 in the latest world rankings.
‘I see flashes of world class form’
In an emotional post on Instagram, Beals wrote: “Not many pro athletes get a storybook ending. I’ve been wrestling with this fact while triathlon keeps breaking my heart.
“I spent 10 out of 12 years of my career ranked inside the top-100 with 7 years inside the top-50. Lately, I’ve learned that sport doesn’t owe me anything.
“I haven’t felt like the same athlete since a gut infection and multiple treatment rounds in 2023–2024. I’ve been crushed by bouts of fatigue and gi sensitivity. I still see flashes of world class form. But my body has been raging against the demands at times, despite putting more heart into the sport than ever.”
‘I’ll keep showing up’
However Beals has vowed to battle on, adding: “I’m still questing. I’m hopeful that returning to my best form is just a matter of time, persistence and rest. Gut health can apparently take years to recover.
“I’m also working on releasing the shame I feel about underperforming, which isn’t a productive emotion.
“I’m grateful for all the people and sponsors who keep believing in me. I’ll keep showing up. I’ll chase that storybook ending while remembering my favorite philosophy:
“‘La lutte elle-même vers les sommets suffit à remplir un cœur d’homme.’ / ‘The struggle itself towards the heights is enough to fill a man’s heart.’ – Camus”
There’s already been plenty of support for Beals from fellow athletes, including Sam Long, who said: Keep pushing!! In Chattanooga last year I got to see you can be on again!”
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