“I’m looking to be pushed.”
The words of 20-year-old Aaron O’Brien, who is taking a year out of college to move to Colorado and focus on his athletic training full time.
“I’ve always been training, working part-time and in school or college,” Aaron says, “so this is a chance for me to focus completely on my sport.
“It’s a crazy way of life, you spend a lot of time travelling, following competitions to London, Spain, France, Turkey or Portugal, you become quite responsible and independent.
“It’s not easy, but I know I wouldn’t be happy in life if I wasn’t doing what I am doing.”
Aaron is studying Sports, Health and Fitness at the University of Limerick as well as competing as a triathlete on the U23 Ireland team.
Have you always wanted to be an athlete?
I’ve always been an athlete and don’t know what it’s like not being an athlete. I started swimming in school and did a bit of cross country to get off class, then it just took off.
I’ve only been involved in triathlon for five years but I always played GAA, county football to be specific.
Why is sport so important to you?
It’s something I’ve always been good at, and I’ve always been involved in some way or form. I love being fit.
I love training and just pushing myself to breaking point. When you cross the line knowing you couldn’t have given any more, it’s an awesome feeling.
What’s the best thing about being an athlete?
The days it all goes to plan and you win. More often then not you have ten bad days before you have a good day and end up winning but it’s worth it every time.
What’s the worst thing about being an athlete?
The injuries are bad. I think you’ve got to hate losing more than you love winning.
Describe an average week of training?
A normal week is 25-30 hours. 4/5 swim sessions starting at 5am and I normally clock up to 5km per session.
250-300km of cycling, with 3×2 hour sessions during the week and a long four hour ride at the weekend.
I’m also in the gym twice a week, ranging from weight sessions and circuits depending what time of the year it is.
What was it like in school/college juggling training and school work?
It’s like living two lives. School was a struggle, especially with the 5am starts. The odd nap became more and more frequent in class. But yeah, it was tough trying to juggle school and training.
College isn’t too bad, I have more down-time, meaning more recovery and not as much sleeping in lectures.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Hopefully still competing, but if I don’t make it to 10 years I’ll hopefully have a good job, though I still have no clue what that will be.
What is your ultimate goal?
The Olympics. It’s been a goal since I started sport.
What would you do if you weren’t an athlete?
That’s a very good question and something I’m not sure of yet. Something in the line of sport and fitness.
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