Pete Jacobs is different to most pro triathletes.
Sure, the fact that he has been an IRONMAN World Champion sets him apart from the majority of his peers. Not many can lay claim to that title, which to most is considered as triathlon’s crown jewel and Jacob’s crossing the finish line in first place three years ago signaled his inclusion into the exclusive club of Kona victors.
But this fact is perhaps not what sets the Australian apart from the rest of the elite pack.
Rather, it is that Jacob’s could be described as more “cerebral” than most that makes him just, well, different.
Take his ascent up the pro ranks for instance. Originally a surf-lifesaving competitor (possibly one of the greatest athletic backgrounds to have), Jacobs immediately immersed himself in IRONMAN distance events, eschewing the more common path of short-distance competition before going long later. Steady progress and improvement as a runner saw him break into the Kona top-ten in 2010, with an impressive 2:41 marathon split.
The following year saw Jacobs claim the runner-up spot with another speedy run before this seemingly natural progression saw him standing atop the podium in 2012 with a solid, all-round performance.
And then?
Nothing much in terms of results, unfortunately, leading observers and media free to speculate the whys and the hows at length. His training is abstract some say, whilst others go further to recommend his needing of sound coaching and structure and so on. Some might even go as far to say that Pete Jacobs triumphed in Hawaii in spite of his approach to training and lifestyle.
This is all very well and good but people have short memory-spans. In a world were instant gratification is almost expected, few might realize that Jacob’s Hawaii successes were the culmination of a decade’s steady progress. And his seemingly “goofy” or “fluffy” training approach that some disparage were perhaps key to his golden period from 2010-2012. For a champion athlete to publicly consider improving his running efficiency in by adopting modified flip-flops takes guts and not a little character.
Take a look into his insightful blog archive for proof of perhaps the most intuitive of athletes. Statements like “had a phlegmy cough for a few days, I took and extra rest day” or “when in doubt, do less” may seem soft, but only if seen through the cookie-cutter lens of machismo. There is perhaps nobody like him, with the exception of six-time Hawaii Champion Mark Allen who was famous for his spiritual quests that many deemed too weird to understand.
Elite athletics is a dance and getting things right on the day takes incredible focus with not a little pragmatism. A happy environment is key to success and Jacob’s preference to train at home in Australia for much of the year is what works for him. Extended training camps in isolated locations might work for some (and make for great media), but would perhaps be counterproductive to athletes with a strong sense of independence.
Here's to Jacob’s turning things around after a few years in the wilderness. Judging by his recent adventures in the mountains Europe, maybe a break from the monotony of regular training together with correcting his mineral deficiencies will see a return to form of the man from Noosa.
And may the triathlon media give this guy a break and the respect he deserves. You don’t become World Champion in spite of yourself, especially when motivation is pure.
