Triathlete Rohit Verma - Racing for India

Rohit Verma, a British citizen residing in Dubai who races under the India flag, embodies the essence of a seasoned triathlete. He is currently preparing for the upcoming Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Finland this August and he  made history as the first Indian to compete at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Sunshine Coast back in 2016.

How Rohit's triathlon journey started

Rohit's remarkable journey into the world of triathlon commenced in early 2015. It all started when he stumbled upon a video showcasing the awe-inspiring races of Ironman Wales & Barcelona during a sales meeting in Rotterdam.

This experience ignited a profound passion within him, prompting him to eagerly share his newfound love for triathlon with his supportive wife, Swati, who wholeheartedly encouraged him to pursue this path.

Like many triathletes, Rohit became captivated by the sport after completing his first race, a super sprint triathlon, in 2015. Despite coming out of the swim last, his indomitable spirit propelled him to overtake many competitors on the bike and run. In that exhilarating moment, the allure of triathlons firmly took hold of him.

Since then, Rohit has accomplished an impressive array of races, including conquering a full Ironman, an astonishing 12 half Ironman's, and numerous Olympic, sprint, and super sprint distance triathlons.

Among his many memorable races, the Ironman 70.3 Kraichgau holds a special place in his heart. Racing alongside his best friend and with the loving support of his family and the enthusiastic crowd during the run left an indelible mark on his soul.

Triathlon Triumphs

Despite encountering various obstacles along the way, Rohit consistently embraces the challenges inherent in triathlon, constantly striving to elevate his performance to new heights.

He nurtures an unyielding desire to transcend the realm of mediocrity and be recognized as an extraordinary triathlete, embodying excellence in every stride.

While Rohit holds a profound affection for the art of running, he openly admits that swimming has proven to be his nemesis, his Kryptonite. Limited to breaststroke as a child, he missed out on the opportunity to develop the fundamental skills at an early age.

He fondly recalls his first 100 meters, which demanded 3 minutes and 40 seconds. However, through unwavering dedication and training, he has managed to refine his technique, shaving his time down to an impressive 1 minute and 40 seconds in a short sprint.

His ultimate goal is to maintain this pace over long distances, which fuels his determination to swim over 8.5 kilometers a week in both pools and open waters, often accompanied by his cherished friends, as they strive towards this collective triumph.

Triathlon life: Setbacks and injuries 

Rohit's journey has also been marked by setbacks and injuries. In March 2018 he was plagued by excruciating back pain, leading to a diagnosis of two bulging discs.

With the aid of stem cell injections in his spine, he embarked on a regimen of physiotherapy and mobility exercises. Remarkably, within a few months, he resurfaced, recommencing his training entirely indoors. His unwavering dedication propelled him to conquer his first full Ironman later that year. 

In 2019, Rohit faced another daunting obstacle during the 70.3 Goa race. While swimming, he got tangled in a buoy line and was stung by a jellyfish. Despite the adversity, he refused to give up and persevered to the bike and run, donning his swim skin with pride right to the finish line. 

Juggling Triathlete Life

Balancing work, family life, and triathlon training can be overwhelming for anyone, and Rohit is no exception. However, he tackles this challenge head-on by waking up early to train before the demands of the day kick in.

He prioritizes his family by avoiding training in the evenings and making the most of his weekends, training early in the morning to spend quality time with his loved ones for the rest of the day.

Staying Motivated

Staying motivated during training can be a struggle, but Rohit's lifelong passion for fitness and sports keeps him going. He encourages aspiring triathletes to invest their time and energy into the sport, assuring them that completing their first race will ignite a lifelong addiction. Rohit's dedication and enthusiasm for triathlon is truly contagious.

Dream Triathlete Relay Team

When asked about his dream triathlon relay team, Rohit dreams big. He envisions racing alongside world-class athletes such as Lionel Sanders and Jan Frodeno, entrusting them with the bike and run segments while reserving the swim for himself. In a mixed relay triathlon team, he would love to join forces with Kat Matthews on the bike and Ash Gentle for the run.

Looking Ahead - triathlon and non-triathlon goals 

Looking ahead, Rohit has set his sights on various triathlon and non-triathlon goals. Alongside his triathlon pursuits, he dreams of starring in a Bollywood film, reaching Everest base camp, swimming with great whites, and even facing crocodiles from within a glass cage. His aspirations reflect his fearless spirit and thirst for adventure.

Rohit Verma exemplifies the qualities of a passionate and dedicated triathlete. His ability to overcome obstacles and maintain a harmonious balance between work, training, and family life serves as an inspiration to many.

As he prepares for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Finland, we wish Rohit all the very best!