Chris McCormack, the 2007 Hawaii Ironman champion, and 2006 Xterra world champion Melanie McQuaid are currently both on the Island to talk to young triathletes about the rigours of the sport.

McCormack, who won the Ironman at the sixth time of asking, said up until his victory, the course had proved humbling.

'"It was a mix of relief and happiness", said the Australian. "Over the years I have had successful seasons, but going to Hawaii was humbling each time I went there. When I crossed the finish line I looked to the sky to thank people who could not be in attendance."My mother and a good mate of mine had passed away, and all the other important people in my life where there, so I felt it was appropriate".

McCormack didn't even leave the finish line to celebrate his triumph, but cheered on each participant as they cross the line. "For me win was irrelevant. I won yes, but I enjoy the people, the love others have for the sport and the race.

But the Ironman himself had doubts at times while attempting the biggest challenge of his career at that point. "I asked myself why do this when I have a university degree. I could have become a banker, then I wouldn't have to deal with the heat and all the other factors in a triathlon", he chuckled. "But in the end you do what you love in life, and I love what I do".

He said an important issue for young triathletes was to not get caught up in winning but set a solid foundation and progress from there. "It is important that you set goals for yourself and constantly reassess these goals to make sure you are benefitting from everything you do", he added.

He credits all he has become in the sport to the sport itself.

"To be in this sport you have to live it. The race is the reward for hard work, but the appreciation you get out of being a triathlete is how you prepare for each event."

The 1997 Points Series Champion will be the celebrity guest at the prize-giving dinner for the Bermuda Triathlon Association at the Elbow Beach Hotel tonight.

Accompanying him is 2006 Xterra World Champion, Melanie McQuaid, who will give advice to the junior athletes on preparation and nutrition to go along with her own intense training regime.

"Xterra is much different from the regular triathlon, mainly being the bike," she said.

"We use a mountain bike and our bike and runs are off-road mostly", added the 2007 Xterra World Championship runner-up. "I am here to get into my preparation for the upcoming season along with giving guidance in the form of clinics for the juniors on the Island. These will consist of the basic understanding of the sport and the day to day things such as nutrition and so forth".

McQuaid reckoned nutrition was just as important as the actual physical training.

"The conversion should be 80-20 healthy eating", she said. "If you eat a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner, you can afford to have a little bit of the things you like every now and then. You have to balance it, but you don't turn into a pro by doing just enough. You have to train as if you are in the actual race you are preparing for."

McQuaid also encourages the youth who are interested in the sport to go for what they what, whether it be in the sport or in every day life.

"You must maximise your strengths while minimising your weaknesses", she said. " You can always get better. When athletes start winning they try more in races. But you have to be careful as a triathlete because we have the most over-used bodies in the sporting world."

Clinics will held by McCormack and McQuaid starting tomorrow morning at Clearwater Beach. For adults, start time is 11a.m. while juniors will begin at 1 p.m..