A First-Timer's Guide to World Championship Racing: Lessons from a 20-Year Triathlon Veteran
As more than 6,000 athletes converge on Marbella, Spain, for the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, many will be tasting world-level competition for the first time. What can seasoned triathletes teach us about approaching these milestone races?
Will Newbery's Perspective
Will Newbery's story offers a masterclass in maintaining perspective and finding joy in competition, even after two decades in the sport. Despite having raced 15 IRONMANs and countless 70.3s, plus multiple appearances at Kona and World Triathlon age-group championships, Newbery is making his 70.3 World Championship debut in Marbella as a first-timer himself.
The Journey That Led to World Championships
From Unlikely Beginnings to Triathlon Obsession
Newbery's path to world championship racing began in the early 2000s under less-than-ideal circumstances. After a winter ski season left him "a little bit heavier and a bit unhealthy," he decided to train for a marathon while pursuing certification as a personal trainer.
The transition to triathlon wasn't exactly smooth sailing. When his boss encouraged him to try the sport, Newbery faced a significant obstacle: "I'd never swam." While he had surfing experience and was comfortable in open water, the repetitive nature of pool swimming was completely foreign to him.
The lesson here? Sometimes the sports we're least prepared for become our greatest passions. Newbery's boss taught him to swim in a 10-meter pool, loaned him a bike, and essentially pushed him into his first triathlon. More than 20 years later, Newbery reflects: "I love it. I'm lucky, you know, my hobby is my job."
Building a Life Around Triathlon
What started as a fitness journey evolved into a complete lifestyle transformation. Newbery transitioned from personal training to coaching within a few years of discovering triathlon, eventually establishing 9 Endurance Coaching in England's New Forest region.
Today, he coaches 30-35 athletes at any given time, with eight of them joining him in Marbella for this world championship weekend. The sport has become a family affair—his nephew is racing alongside him this weekend, and his son is also an avid triathlete.
The First-Timer's Mindset: Advice from Experience
Embracing the Atmosphere Over Performance
Despite his extensive racing resume, Newbery doesn't expect to win his age group or deliver a standout performance in Marbella. Instead, his focus—and the advice he gives his athletes—centers on a different kind of success.
"Just take in the atmosphere and enjoy it," Newbery emphasizes. "It's like a culmination of everything that they've worked for, isn't it? They put the work in, they sacrificed so much. Might as well enjoy it. It's a hobby, isn't it?"
This perspective shift is crucial for first-time world championship competitors. The months or years of training, qualifying races, travel arrangements, and mental preparation all lead to this moment. The pressure to perform can overshadow the incredible achievement of simply being there.
Reframing Success at World Championships
Newbery's approach offers a refreshing take on what constitutes success at a world championship event:
- Recognition of Achievement: Qualifying for worlds represents the culmination of significant work and sacrifice.
- Present-Moment Awareness: Taking in the unique atmosphere and energy of a world championship.
- Maintaining Perspective: Remembering that triathlon is ultimately a hobby and source of joy.
- Celebrating the Journey: Focusing on the experience rather than just the outcome.
Lessons for Every World Championship First-Timer
1. Perspective is Everything
Newbery's decades of experience have taught him that the journey to world championships is as important as the race itself. The qualification process, training commitment, and personal growth along the way represent achievements worth celebrating regardless of race-day results.
2. Community and Support Matter
Traveling to Marbella with eight of his coached athletes demonstrates the power of shared experiences in triathlon. Having familiar faces and support systems can help ease pre-race nerves and enhance the overall experience.
3. Embrace Being a First-Timer
Even with extensive racing experience, Newbery approaches this new challenge with humility and excitement. There's no shame in being new to any level of competition—every expert was once a beginner. Whether you're targeting competitive times or simply finishing, the experience matters most.
4. Equipment Can Enhance, Not Guarantee
While Newbery's new bike represents a significant upgrade, his focus remains on the experience rather than expecting equipment to dramatically change his performance. The best gear supports good racing, but it doesn't replace proper preparation and realistic expectations. For those looking to optimize their setup, consider investing in quality triathlon suits and anti-fog swim goggles that can make a real difference in comfort and performance.
The Bigger Picture: What World Championships Represent
Newbery's story illustrates that world championship racing isn't just about the fastest times or highest placings. For age-group athletes, these events represent:
- Personal milestones after years of dedication.
- Community celebration of shared passion.
- Family experiences that create lasting memories.
- Inspiration for continued growth and challenge.
His approach—focusing on enjoyment, atmosphere, and the culmination of hard work—offers a template for any athlete approaching their first world championship experience.
