Sports
Djenyfer Arnold: Rekindling Passion, Focus, and Ironman 70.3 Brasília Prep
Champion Djenyfer Arnold shares her journey of renewed passion, strategic preparation, and expectations for Ironman 70.3 Brasília.
Professional triathlete and multi-champion Djenyfer Arnold reflects on her special connection with Ironman 70.3 Brasília. She details how the race rekindled her passion for triathlon and the preparation that left her more confident for the current edition. An inspiring conversation about mindset and overcoming challenges in high-performance sports.
In an exclusive interview with Fabio Bessa and Thiago Kawamura live from the Nubank Ultravioleta Ironman 70.3 Brasília, professional triathlete Djenyfer Arnold, a multi-champion in the distance and defender champion of the race, opened up about her preparation, the pressure of being the favorite, and the passion that connects her to this very special competition.
PUBLICIDADE (GAM) — 1250x250
Rekindling the Triathlon Flame in Brasília
For Djenyfer Arnold, last year's Ironman 70.3 Brasília marked a significant reconnection with triathlon. The race reignited her passion for the sport, especially in the 70.3 distance. Even with the option to compete in world events, Djenyfer insisted on returning to the Brazilian capital, demonstrating how much the race means to her career and well-being. She emphasizes that she now returns with a different mindset, more mature, recognizing her potential and believing she has a lot to give in this distance.
Strategic Preparation and Overcoming Challenges
Djenyfer shared that the late start to her competitions this year, in April, was an unexpected benefit, allowing for more in-depth preparation and a significant increase in her performance. Curiously, she describes herself as someone who performs better in the dark, meaning when she is doing something for the first time and without expectations. However, her psychologist made her reflect that "nobody does their best in the dark," suggesting that awareness and control can lead to even superior results.
A crucial point in her preparation was a 15-day training period in Barcelona. In Brazil, Djenyfer usually limits her TT bike training to the indoor trainer due to road safety concerns. In Barcelona, the opportunity to ride on the road every day with her time trial bike was transformative. She emphasizes the big difference between riding a road bike and a TT bike, the latter being much more demanding in terms of balance and control. This experience was fundamental for her to gain confidence and get more contact with the TT bike on the road.
The Pressure of Being a Favorite and a Champion's Mindset
When asked about the pressure of arriving as the favorite, Djenyfer Arnold admitted she feels more at ease as an underdog. However, for a race like Ironman 70.3 Brasília, where she is the defending champion, she understands there's no escaping this expectation. Her approach is to embrace the position and not let it affect her, focusing on delivering her best. She has a phrase that sums up her mindset: "I am the champion, but I am not the champion yet. I am only the champion when the race is over," reinforcing that in triathlon, anything can happen.
Behind the Scenes of a High-Performance Athlete
In a quick-fire round, Djenyfer revealed some of her preferences and curiosities:
- Favorite training song: "Waka Waka" by Shakira, to get pumped up.
- Superheroine: Wonder Woman.
- Soccer team: Vasco.
- Favorite post-race food: Any fried food, especially french fries or fried shrimp.
- Longest ride (mileage): 182 km.
- Childhood idol: Michael Phelps, due to his swimming career.
- She also shared that her mother is a great motivator, sometimes even with scolding to keep her from giving in to laziness during training.
With this sharp mindset, focused preparation, and rekindled passion, Djenyfer Arnold demonstrates she is ready for another challenge at Ironman 70.3 Brasília, promising to give her all in the race. Good luck, DJ!
PUBLICIDADE (GAM) — 1250x250
