In life, we often underestimate our own potential—like thinking it’s “too late” to start investing or that we're “too old” to take up triathlon. Yet time and again, we’re proven wrong. We see it in finance, where exponential returns catch us off guard, and we see it in sports, where even seasoned athletes can be taken by surprise by a fresh face.

A perfect example? The Men’s 2025 Saidia World Cup triathlon in Morocco, where Ollie Conway secured a remarkable victory in his very first World Cup race. Just like when I once believed I was “too old” to step into endurance sports, only to discover my untapped potential—this race showcased how your biggest barrier is often just an illusion.

Challenging Conditions Right from the Start

Set against the backdrop of Sadia, Morocco, the temperatures soared to a sweltering 29°C, with water at a toasty 25.1°C. The strategic question for every competitor was how to pace against the intense heat and still find that extra gear when needed. In triathlon, energy conservation and strategic pacing can be the difference between hanging on late in the bike leg and falling off the pace.

The swim leg felt more like a surf lifesaving contest, thanks to the beach-like breaks and shallow, knee-deep water. Athletes with surf experience—particularly the Australians—used these challenging beach conditions to gain an early advantage. It reminded me of my first race at a stormy open-water event, where I discovered that sometimes you just have to endure the chaos until you find your rhythm.

A Grit-Filled Bike Segment with Highs and Lows

Next came the bike leg, where breakaway attempts lit up the course. Mercer and Smith powered ahead, testing the pack’s resolve. However, unity can be elusive under pressure. Crashes at roundabouts and dicey maneuvers quickly led to major regrouping. One notable moment was Kevin Viñuela tumbling on a tight turn, dragging others into a chase pack shuffle.

Like a volatile stock market, these riders saw big spikes in effort followed by abrupt stalls—those breakaway attempts either flourish or crash based on a split-second decision. Sometimes, you gamble too early, just like investing in a trending tech stock before confirming its true potential. Benack bravely clung to a short-lived gap, but the relentless heat and a reorganized group fixed that in no time.

The Run: Where the Real Drama Unfolds

Finally, the run—a five-loop, 10k gauntlet—proved decisive. Tyler Mislawchuk and John Reed raced with veteran poise, appearing to control the pace. But as many of us have learned, sometimes you can be “doing everything right” only to see a late-race challenger surge past you—like that moment you think you’ve nailed your project at work and a colleague offers a fresh perspective that outshines your efforts.

That fresh perspective here was Ollie Conway. He conserved energy on the bike, staying under the radar until he unleashed a late-race surge in the final lap. The packed audience watched in awe as Conway passed Mislawchuk and Reed. To me, it felt like the moment you see a once-overlooked investment suddenly skyrocket—proof that patience is an absolute game changer.

A Rising Talent in British Triathlon

Crossing the line in 1:45:54, Conway proved that, yes, youth can surprise even seasoned professionals. It’s a reminder of one of my core principles: “You’re never too old—or too young—to achieve something remarkable.”