From Running to Ironman: Krisztina Vaczi's Triumph
Krisztina Vaczi, who hails from Hungary, has made Dubai her home since 2016. She brings with her a passion for sports and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As a single woman juggling a career at the American automation company Emerson, Krisztina's journey in the world of triathlon is as inspiring as it is remarkable.
Fuelling The Triathlon Passion
Krisztina's love affair with sports began over two decades ago, primarily with road running ranging from 10km to half marathons at her local athletics club. Cycling soon followed suit, becoming a significant part of her active lifestyle for the past 15 years. However, it was in Dubai, at the age of 33, where she discovered her true calling – triathlon. Witnessing adults older than her participating in triathlon ignited a spark within Krisztina, propelling her to take on the challenge herself.
Krisztina's Triathlon Journey
"Engaging in sports represents more than just physical activity; it's a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It shapes my personality as much as it shapes my body, serving as a constant reminder of my ability to aim higher and push beyond my limits,” said Krisztina.
To her, sports serve as an honest mirror, reflecting the dedication and effort she invests, ultimately reaping the rewards of her hard work.
Throughout her triathlon journey, Krisztina has participated in numerous races, including local UAE races, trail runns spanning distances of 20km to 50km, and an impressive eight Ironman 70.3 races across the globe. Among her achievements, she treasures her overall first female finish at Ironman 70.3 Vietnam, and her second place finish at Ironman 70.3 Desaru in May.
Looking ahead, Krisztina's calendar is filled with exciting challenges, including her first full Ironman in Malaysia which is Ironman Langkawi, as well as local UAE races and eventually aiming for the World Championship Ironman 70.3 in New Zealand.
Triathlon Challenges
Krisztina's journey has not been without its challenges. Like many athletes, she has faced moments of self-doubt, particularly as she embarked on her triathlon journey with minimal swimming experience. Yet, she approaches each challenge with resilience and determination, embracing the potential for failure as an opportunity for growth. On top of that, she initially lacked a support system when she first started her triathlon journey.
For newcomers venturing into endurance sports, Krisztina emphasizes the importance of patience and dedication. She says, “success isn't immediate; it's earned through consistent effort and perseverance. Managing time effectively and finding individualized energy strategies are key to navigating the demanding training schedules.”
Beyond the physical challenges, she recommends embracing the unique nature of each sport to foster a deeper connection and unlock new horizons in the journey of self-discovery. "For a lot of people, triathlon might seem repetitive and boring but once you overcome the physical aspect of it, a whole new journey opens up", said Krisztina.
A Commitment to Purpose
Driven by her desire to make a positive impact, and her leadership in Emerson's Women's Impact Network, Krisztina empowers female talents to reach their full potential, both in the workplace and in the realm of wellbeing and running. As a Purpose Athlete, Krisztina aspires to inspire others to pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions in their respective fields.
Beyond Endurance Sports
Beyond her athletic pursuits, Krisztina finds solace in contemporary French paintings and regularly attends meditation retreats to maintain balance in her life. Despite dedicating much of her time to triathlon activities, she harbors a bucket list goal of participating in the Comrades 90 ultra-distance trail running race, showcasing her enduring love for endurance sports.
Follow Krisztina's journey at https://www.instagram.com/v_krisztine_tri?igsh=MTI1MG9tdm45bmxsNQ==
