Singaporean Ben Khoo Breaks Triathlon Records
Meet Ben Khoo, another Purpose triathlete from Singapore residing in the heart of the Lion City. Ben is on a mission to break the sub-9 Ironman barrier and set a new Singapore record, and his journey in the world of triathlon is nothing short of inspiring.
Breaking records while training in the heat and humidity of the equatorial region is no easy feat. Yet, Singaporean athlete Ben Khoo has done just that.
In 2023 he set a new Singapore Ironman Record at Ironman Copenhagen 2023 with a remarkable timing of 9 hours and 2 minutes. With this Ben became the fastest Singaporean over the Full Ironman Distance.
How Ben Khoo Began His Triathlon Journey?
Ben's foray into triathlons wasn't a conventional one. He initially delved into adventure racing during high school, and when the opportunities for adventure racing in Singapore were limited, he transitioned into triathlons.
The thrill of multisport captured him, and he hasn't looked back since.
Race Day Memories
With over 100 races under his belt, Ben has raced on the US collegiate circuit during his studies in the United States.
Among the myriad races, his favorite is the Wildflower Triathlon in California. Held in a national park, the race allowed Ben to bond with teammates, camp over a weekend, and experience the joy of team competition.
What keeps Ben hooked on triathlons is the sense of adventure across land, water, and bike, coupled with the camaraderie of like-minded individuals who share a passion for pushing their limits.
Ben humorously shares his least favorite part of an Ironman – the inevitable need to pee.
Race Day Rituals and Balancing Work, Triathlon and Family
Breaking the Singapore Ironman Record stands out as Ben's favorite race day memory. The accomplishment symbolizes a challenging journey that culminated in a remarkable achievement.
A cup of coffee is Ben's pre-race essential. It's these small rituals that set the tone for the imminent challenge.
Managing the delicate balance between work, family, and triathlon, Ben appreciates the structure and rituals that triathlon training brings to his daily life.
He says, flexibility is key, allowing for adjustments without sacrificing progress.
Staying Motivated and Advice to Newbie Triathletes
For Ben, motivation comes from setting targets that strike the right balance between challenging and achievable.
Whether it's chasing a time goal or competing with a friendly rival, having the right level of challenge keeps him driven.
“My targets need to be just scary enough but not too easy that it becomes overwhelming, but hard enough to keep things interesting. It's a delicate dance, really.” said Ben.
For all the newbies out there, Ben has a nugget of wisdom to share – “the best part of triathlons is the crazy friends you make along the way. Triathletes are a great bunch and the crazier, the better!”
Fun Facts about Ben Khoo
Dream relay partner: In a parallel universe where Ben forms a relay team with any triathlete, he chooses Gordon Ramsey.
Why? Not for the speed, but for the promise of a post-race feast that even Michelin-star chefs would envy.
Cartoon idol: Imagine Ben as Blobby from Webcomic_name. Because let's face it, triathlons can be a bit of a blob – a blob of swimming, biking, running, and a dash of craziness.
Dream locale: If Ben could live anywhere, it would be where mountains touch the sky. And his bucket list? A multi-stage adventure race, because apparently, Ironman races are just warm-ups.
