Most of us have heard the myth that if you don’t specialize early, it’s “too late” to join a competitive sport. But much like a so-called “late” investment that turns out to be right on time, Yolene’s story from Belgium Triathlon debunks that stereotype. Starting with a strong competitive swimming background, she leapt into elite triathlon with a mix of curiosity and ambition. Her athletic transition started off with a simple notion: “Let’s give it a try for fun.” Little did she know, she was about to dive into a whole new world of race-day performance and mental resilience.

Competitive swimming laid the bedrock of Yolene’s physical abilities, but her emotional investment in triathlon training was what elevated her performance. Her rapid rise included major racing performances like a World Cup win in Tongyeong and a remarkable Hamburg finish where she placed fourth. Every finish line crossed reinforced her belief that she belonged in these high-octane events.

I’ve often said that we underestimate our potential, just like we might doubt how much compound interest can build up in a savings account if given enough time. Watching Yolene keep stacking accomplishments felt like seeing those “exponential” gains in real time—race by race, one step at a time.

Of course, no journey is without adversity. The Paris Olympics became her trial-by-fire—her Olympic debut was emotional, physically taxing, and complicated by rainy, wet conditions that led to a crash. Worse yet, a media scrutiny storm broke out over alleged comments about water quality, twisting her words and questioning her authenticity. It reminded me of how the best day can turn sour if circumstances (and the press) don’t line up in your favor.

That said, Yolene’s mental resilience shone. Yes, she felt the heartbreak—after all, she had poured her heart into training and overcame so many challenges to even get there. But that disappointment became fuel for her further development, proving once more that genuine passion and grit can outshine any negative headline.

In the heat of elite competition, many athletes guard their emotions like precious currency. But Yolene believes in authentic emotion. She talks openly about her fears, excitement, and disappointments because she values real connections over carefully filtered soundbites. It’s a brave stance in a world that often rewards polished PR statements. It occasionally leads to misunderstandings—like the water quality controversy—yet she continues to embrace vulnerability.

Shedding light on her self-described “inconsistent” triathlon training routine, Yolene humorously admits that she doesn’t always hit peak intensity during practice. Some might label that a weakness. But come race day, her competitive edge takes over. It’s like flipping on a hidden switch—suddenly, she’s in the zone, delivering outstanding performances.