Meet Chris Dunn: From Professional Musician to Triathlon

In New Zealand, resides a man of boundless energy and diverse talents – Chris Dunn. Born and raised amidst the stunning landscapes of Auckland, Chris Dunn's journey is as dynamic as the landscapes that surround him. From his roots in professional music, to his thriving career in sports entrepreneurship, Chris Dunn's story is one of passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

As the founder of a Sports Agency and a Director at Negative Split Carbon, a carbon fiber bicycle wheel company, Chris Dunn is no stranger to the world of sports and innovation. However, it was his foray into the realm of endurance sport that truly ignited his spirit and propelled him towards new heights of achievement.

Fuelling The Triathlon Passion

Chris's journey into triathlon began unexpectedly, spurred by a friend's invitation to participate in IronMaori, a Half Iron distance race in New Zealand, in 2015. Despite his lack of experience in triathlon, Chris found himself captivated by the challenge and excitement of the sport from the moment he crossed the starting line. Since then, he has embraced triathlon with unwavering enthusiasm, representing New Zealand at ITU World Championships and conquering numerous races both at home and abroad.

From sprint distances to grueling half Ironman events, Chris has tackled a wide array of races, each one fueling his passion for the sport and pushing him to new limits. While he modestly downplays his achievements, citing the countless small goals he has accomplished along the way, his dedication and perseverance are undeniable.

“I’ve raced all of the triathlon distances except for a full Ironman - I’m scared to admit that one of those is probably on the cards in the future. I’ve lost count of how many races in total but it’d be well into the hundreds,” shared Chris.

The Triathlon Balancing Act

Despite the challenges Chris has faced in his training journey, including moments of self-doubt and comparison to elite athletes, Chris has emerged stronger and more determined than ever. Through the power of goal-setting and a steadfast commitment to his personal growth, he has overcome obstacles and achieved feats he once deemed impossible.

In his training journey, Chris admits he encountered the challenge of comparing himself to elite athletes, which led to feelings of demoralization when he couldn't match their performance. However, he shares that he overcame this obstacle by refocusing his perspective and defining his own objectives within the sport.

By setting personalized goals aligned with his aspirations, Chris regained his motivation and found renewed determination to pursue his triathlon endeavors. This shift towards goal-oriented thinking not only helped him navigate the challenges of training but also empowered him to chart his own path to success in the world of endurance sports.

When asked what he would like to share with newbies to the sport, Chris said, “there’s not many things that beat the feeling of crossing the finish line at an event that you’ve spent months or years thinking about and training for. Accomplishing an endurance event, gains you entry into a pretty unique club and you’ll meet some incredible people along the way.”

A Commitment to Purpose

Chris is driven by a desire to inspire others to lead active, fulfilling lives and embrace the transformative power of endurance sports. With a focus on promoting health, wellness, and sustainability, he seeks to encourage individuals to step outside their comfort zones, challenge themselves, and discover the joy of living life to the fullest.

“Initially I was attracted to Purpose gear because of its technical attributes. I’m a self-confessed tech geek and I’m always on the lookout for better, faster, lighter equipment. The Purpose kit ticks so many boxes for me and then when I learnt more about the brand and the company, I was really impressed with their ethos and desire to be a genuine part of the community in our sport,” shared Chris.

Beyond his athletic pursuits, Chris is a man of many interests and passions. From growing his YouTube channel, which explores the intersection of sports and technology, to pursuing hobbies like freediving and traveling the world, Chris approaches life with a sense of adventure and curiosity.

Follow Chris's journey at https://www.instagram.com/nzchrisdunn/?hl=en