The first in our series highlighting some of the athletes, coaches, volunteers and officials across the Blue Continent who are a vital part of  our Oceania Triathlon family.

Meet Benjamin Zorgnotti from Tahiti - multiple gold medalist and international pro triathlete across both short and long course racing. One of the rare few from our Pacific Island nations who has reached the top levels of competition and sponsorship so that he can pursue triathlon full-time, Benjamin did his first tri at 5 years old. With inflatable armbands for the swim and on a kiddy bike with training wheels. He explained that 'My dad was into triathlon so I'm nearly born into it.'

Benjamin's story is one of hard work and vision, of the commitment it takes to be a champion. When asked about his tri achievements he said that he's lucky to have had many special moments in his career that include the Super League Arena Games, 70.3 World Champs, and podiums across several Pacific Games. But the achievement he is most proud of?

' I'd say my first gold in Samoa after chasing this medal for 8 years. I started with my first Pacific Games when I was only 17 years old, in New Caledonia 2011 . That Games I was the only one in the Tahiti team triathlon who had 0 medals. In 2015 I reached the silver medal and I had to work hard and wait for 2019 for my first gold in this event. I'm not proud of the first place, but I'm proud of the process I had to go through to achieve this medal.'

Benjamin's triathlon career has taken him many places - 11th in Super League Triathlon Arena Games (Montreal), 35th WC 70.3 Ironman Lahti, a few top 20 placings on French Grand Prix races, National champs (triathlon, cycling, running). He's had three top 8 finishes at long distance 70.3 races, and placed 26th in the World Cup New Plymouth, with 2 podium finishes in Continental Cups (Africa and Americas). But he is happiest when he is home training alongside his fellow Tahitian Federation triathletes.

Now that he's on long course training, what does a typical week look like for him? 'It's around 25hrs training average. Around 20k swim, 400/450k bike and 70/80k run, adding 2 or 3 strength sessions.'

What did he find most challenging about making the switch from short to long course triathlons?

He said, changing the bike! 'It's more about TT position on the bike. Not the same bike and position on it.' He added that our Oceania tropical humidity also makes it tougher - 'It's harder to handle the hot and humid weather on long course training because you spend more time outside exposed to the heat. I need to adapt my training to it, but it works if you do it carefully.'

His advice to other Pacific Island triathletes who want to go further in this sport? Benjamin emphasized how important it is that you have a love and passion for it, to carry you through.

'Just have fun with friends to start a good journey. And if you want more, then do more IF you are still enjoying it. Some of us manage to do some serious business in triathlons, such as Manami for example, so you can still do it even when you are based at home [in the islands].'

Benjamin has the Pacific Mini Games as one of his 2025 goals and we look forward to seeing him race in Palau.
#triathlonlife