The legendary triathlete Mark Allen is a man who spent six years on the way to his first victory and then went on to win six world titles in a row. In an exclusive interview for weproject.media, he talked about what helped him not to give up and become a six-time Ironman champion, and why he believes that strength begins with inner silence.
Mark Allen, six-time Ironman World Champion
About myself
I saw Ironman on TV when I was 24 years old. Before that, I had never heard of a triathlon, although since childhood, I had been swimming at an average level. Professional swimmers have large, powerful shoulders, but I have a completely different build.
I graduated from university with a degree in biology, but I didn’t know what I wanted to do. When I saw Ironman on TV, I realized that something incredible was happening there. The race lasts 10, 12, or sometimes even 16 hours. But what amazed me most was that ordinary people, like you and me, were participating. Then I decided that I would also try — first just to reach the finish line, and then seriously deal with my life.
That’s how I started training. After 10 months, I found myself at a race in Hawaii. To my surprise, I performed better than I expected. Right after the race, several companies, even Nike, contacted me and offered sponsorship. I was shocked that they would pay me for this. That’s how my 15-year professional career began.
During this time, I visited many countries and participated in competitions all over the world. This is one of the best sides of triathlon — the opportunity to travel, get to know new cultures, people, and languages.
About activities
In the first years, I went to competitions in Europe: to France and Germany, and before that, I had never left the USA. It was a completely new world — a different culture, a different lifestyle. Athletes in different countries had their own strengths.
For example, European triathletes were incredibly strong on the cycling stage — they just flew. In Australia, I competed with strong swimmers and saw what level one could reach in swimming. And in the USA, there are many triathletes who are especially strong in running. All this created a new picture for me and helped me reach a new level.
For six years in a row, I didn’t win the Ironman World Championship. I was second, third, fifth — sometimes leading at the beginning: on the bike or in the first half of the marathon, but then it was as if my engine turned off, and someone overtook me. After six failed attempts, I began to think that I was not made for this race and that I would never win here.
I didn’t want to go to the seventh race, but then I told myself that I would go not for victory, but to give my best. Not to think about competitors, but just to show my best swim, my best bike, my best run. And that year, I won. It became an important lesson for me: victory is great, but the true goal is your best performance.
After that, I changed my approach. I won my first Ironman World Championship in 1989. And then five more times in a row. So, the first six years — without victories, and the next six — with championships. I was 31 during my first victory and 37 during my last race. For endurance sports, that’s already an age. Before me, no one had won Ironman at that age. The young guys back then said I was already old and that I definitely wouldn’t win that year, but I did.
That changed their thinking. Guys who were 25-27 began to believe that they, too, could compete for another 10-12 years. Today, we see many professionals winning big races even at 38-39 years old.
Practical advice from the world champion
You need to be ready to train every day. There are days when you are full of energy and want to train. And there are moments when you don’t want to at all. But you still go and do it. The main thing is consistency.
People often think that progress should be constant: today I’m faster, tomorrow even faster — but it’s not like that. You can train for a month or two, and it seems that nothing is changing, and then suddenly there’s a breakthrough. Progress doesn’t go in a straight line; it goes in jumps. And you just have to keep going forward, even when it seems like you’re standing still.
The race is not only about the body. The most important thing is what’s in your head. You must watch your inner dialogue. If in your mind you think: “It’s too hard. I can’t do it. This guy is faster,” — that’s it, the race will fall apart. Many athletes try to fight this by repeating positive phrases to themselves: “I am strong. I can do it.” But for me, silence works best. Complete inner calm.
When it’s quiet inside, the body begins to move freely. Everything happens easily, as if by itself. Constant thinking drains energy. Repeating to yourself “I’m strong, I can handle it” is also work. But silence requires nothing. It’s a state of strength.
I continue to train every day. Not for competitions anymore, but simply for life. At home, if there are waves, I go surfing. I do strength training — it’s especially important when you’re 67 years old. With age, muscles need more attention. I ride a bike, walk a lot, and love long walks. Sometimes I just go to the mountains.
About activities in Central Asia
I competed professionally for 15 years, and after finishing my career, I began to promote this sport not only in the USA but also in other countries. For example, in Kazakhstan, it is now actively gaining popularity. There are many passionate young people here — kids are truly inspired by this. I enjoy coming to such places, meeting people who promote sports, and inspiring others.
I came to Astana to support several projects aimed at developing triathlon among children. I was glad to be part of a program for scouts: now they can receive a badge for completing a triathlon — for swimming, cycling, and running. It’s a great initiative because it inspires young people and helps them believe in themselves.
I’m happy just to talk with kids, answer their questions, and try to inspire them. I will also meet with organizers and those who are developing sports in Kazakhstan. I’ll share my experience, which may help improve and expand triathlon here.