A chat with Bryan McCrystal on Zoom

As part of the Blackwater Triathlon Club’s commitment to training and improvement of its athletes we try to arrange events each year to allow our members to learn from top triathletes and various other specialists. Like everything else these events have had to move online to cater for social distancing guidelines. This year, the first event we had was a chat with Brian McCrystal over Zoom. Bryan is Irelands fastest Ironman and a multiple podium finisher in many races. Following a successful career playing football in Ireland and the UK, Bryan turned his attention to endurance events, initially excelling in cycling before coming to Triathlon. He is now a coach and mentor to elite and novice Cyclists and Triathletes from around the world. Bryan is also working with Donnacha McCarthy, a blind paratriathlete from Drimoleague in his quest to compete in the Tokyo Olympics. Last Thursday evening Bryan joined us on Zoom to chat about his career so far and answered various questions about his training regime, diet and how he manages his training in these difficult times. Ciara Crowley did her best Ryan Tubridy impersonation on the night, introducing Bryan and asking various questions that club members had sent in. Bryan proved to be very interesting, detailing his journey from a career as a professional footballer to becoming the elite endurance athlete he is today in his unique laconic style. Unfortunately, the call was cut short on the night due to an unexpected event on Bryan’s side but we are planning another chat with Bryan very soon. More than 40 of the club’s members joined the call that evening and are all eagerly awaiting part two.