Curls For Girls: Interview with Rory Duckworth

Rory Duckworth is a local beast known to both inflict and endure pain at any race he enters. In addition to being one of our state's fastest triathletes, as many of you know he's also the visionary founder of the Salt Lake Triathlon Club. Among other things, here he relives the true glory days of high school football and breaks down what he currently has in common with "The Mailman," Karl Malone.

Thanks for the time, Rory, and best of luck to you and the entire SLTC this season!

What’s your athletic background and how did you get into triathlon? What was your first race and what were your typical results as a newcomer to the sport?

Growing up I played the typical Utah sports: football, soccer, basketball, and track (100m & 200m). I was best at soccer but most of my good friends played football. I decided in high school to only play one sport and focus on football. I really only played so I could get the ladies. That's how I ended up with my hot wife, Courtney Duckworth! After stopping sports and getting married, I put on some weight. Triathlon was an appealing way for me to regain fitness and lose pounds. 70lbs to be exact. My first race was the Telos Turkey Tri in Orem... I finished 33rd out of 36 in my age group. I borrowed a mountain bike and walked it up a small hill. I was so excited afterwards that I didn't get last!!! So excited that I signed up for one the next weekend in St. George at the rec center and finished about the same. Yet, I was hooked and the rest was history.

I feel like people with a football background turned triathlete are often strong cyclists, maybe in part due to squats/time in the weight room? Have you been a beast on the bike from the get go or did it only come with a lot of hard work?

No bro.... I did curls for the girls!!! Leg squats were for the guys that wanted to play college ball. I go hard on the bike because I know if I don't hurry they might run out of aid at the aid stations. My motivation is FOOD! But in all seriousness, I learned how to train with power and yes, worked my butt off.

 Just watch GEICO commercials. Support Rory if you actually need something (btw the plug is our idea to help a triathlete brother out, not his).

What was the breakthrough race for you where you realized “I can be pretty good at this sport,” and what are the top 3 results you’re most proud of?

Every race is a breakthrough... I learn something every time. I never think I am good at this sport. I just continue so I don't get fat! I don't have a top 3 because I truly love every race where I am out with other athletes suffering so we can go home sore, bragging to our friends that we paid to suffer...

What’s the history of SLTC, and what have been the most rewarding aspects of getting it going?

We started the SLTC in my little Farmers insurance office with the goal of helping others to become healthier/better athletes, improve the local triathlon community, and just have fun. I felt the Salt Lake area was missing a tri club and wanted something like the SUTC had down in Southern Utah.

Who’s on your SLTC podium (can expand beyond 3 if you want) for Most Improved Players over the past 1-2 years? Same question for best team players/fun teammates to be around.

With over 500+ paying members this question would be way too hard to answer. The SLTC has some pretty amazing people, not just with speed or talent, but just really good motivating individuals. We really love to win podiums and see the improvement in everyone but it's way more than that. It's a very social group that athletes can count on in times of need. From single mothers losing weight and staying motivated to first time Ironman finishers. This club has it all. That's what I love!

Healthy competition is part of what makes triathlon fun (if no one else showed up for a race, it would be pretty lame!). On that note, several people have told us there’s a bit of a “friendly rivalry” between SLTC and BAM. We think that is great for the local scene. Do you concur?

I think having ANY support group will help the triathlon scene, whether it be from our club or others in the state. We are fortunate enough to live in a state where triathlon is very prevalent. I've talked to countless people who have moved here from out of state, where the triathlon community is lacking. I love where we live and love the community! I don't focus on "competition" and try each day to make the SLTC better and give back to our members and the Utah Tri community as a whole. I care about every member of the SLTC and the Utah tri community; I wish them the very best and hope they can represent our state and country wherever they race regardless of club affiliation.

at times the race bib can double
as an excellent "loin cloth"

Is Kona a big goal and a motivator for you? Can you give us a quick summary of past Ironmans and the number of spots away you were from qualifying?

Kona-- heck yes!!! Who wouldn't want a reason to fly to Hawaii!!!

1) St. George 2011 38th place who knows how far?

2) St. George 2012 (Super windy) 13th probably 6-8 spots

3) Arizona 2012 19th (12-15 spots)

4) Lake Tahoe 2013 (9th 5 spots)

5) Texas 2014 9th (4-5 spots)

6) Unofficial Tahoe (Cancelled for smoke) 1st place overall out of about 15 of us that raced anyways. (No Kona spots)

7) CDA 2015 11th (5 spots)

8) Lake Tahoe 2015 6th (1 spot) :(

9) Canada July 24, 2016 ???

Kona is my equivalent of Karl Malone not getting his championship... lol

What’s your take on the triathlon scene in our state? It seems like participation is down overall, although in other ways it seems very strong.

I can only tell you from our club stand point... we have only grown each year and it only seems to be getting better!

Links:

Salt Lake Triathlon Club

SLTC Facebook page

Related Posts:

Skye's the Limit! Interview with Skye Moench

Local Legend: Interview with B.J. Christenson

Rio Bound! Interview with Chris Hammer

Utah Age Group Rankings: Men 50+

We decided it would be fun to take the results breakdown to another level...

Here's a look at our not perfect, but hopefully interesting age group rankings part-way through the season.

The methodology is pretty simple:

* Utah races only, updated through Rock Cliff & East Canyon

* To be eligible, must have raced at least 2 of the races listed below:

• Icebreaker  (RaceTri)
• Ironman St. George 70.3
• Ghost Town  (TriUtah)
• Salem Spring  (RaceTri)
• Sand Hollow S/O   (BBSC)
• Daybreak S/O  (USTriSports)
• Rock Cliff S/O  (RaceTri)
• East Canyon S/O  (TriUtah)

* Keep racing! Will update as we go thru the season... more people will become "eligible" with more races

* Ranking is an average of your Overall %... so as a simple example if you placed 60th out of 100 in one race, 500th out of 1,000 in another, and 40th out of 100 in another, you average out to 50% for the three

So, under that criteria, here are men's 50+ divisions. As always, you can click on the picture below to make it a little bigger.

If you're friends with someone on the list, please spread the word so they can bask in their much-deserved glory!

Related Posts:

Utah Age Group Rankings: Local Pros & Rising Stars

Utah Age Group Rankings: Wonder Women Ages 25-39

Utah Age Group Rankings: Wonder Women Part II

Utah Age Group Rankings: Men 25-39

Utah Age Group Rankings: Men 40-49 & Clydesdale

Utah Age Group Rankings: Men 40-49 & Clydesdale

We decided it would be fun to take the results breakdown to another level...

Here's a look at our not perfect, but hopefully interesting age group rankings part-way through the season.

The methodology is pretty simple:

* Utah races only, updated through Rock Cliff & East Canyon

* To be eligible, must have raced at least 2 of the races listed below:

• Icebreaker  (RaceTri)
• Ironman St. George 70.3
• Ghost Town  (TriUtah)
• Salem Spring  (RaceTri)
• Sand Hollow S/O   (BBSC)
• Daybreak S/O  (USTriSports)
• Rock Cliff S/O  (RaceTri)
• East Canyon S/O  (TriUtah)

* Will update as we go thru the season... more people will become "eligible" with more races

* Ranking is an average of your Overall %... so as a simple example if you placed 60th out of 100 in one race, 500th out of 1,000 in another, and 40th out of 100 in another, you average out to 50% for the three

So, under that criteria, here are men's 40-49 & Clydesdale divisions. As always, you can click on the picture below to make it a little bigger.

If you're friends with someone on the list, please spread the word so they can bask in their much-deserved glory!

Related Posts:

Utah Age Group Rankings: Local Pros & Rising Stars

Utah Age Group Rankings: Wonder Women Ages 25-39

Utah Age Group Rankings: Wonder Women Part II

Utah Age Group Rankings: Men 25-39

Results Breakdown - East Canyon 2016

Assisted by a couple of number crunching fellow triathletes, we'll be breaking down 2016 results race by race. The idea is to show everyone's percentile for each discipline, which is simply your swim rank, bike rank, etc. divided by the # of total participants. That way you can better compare your performance from one race to the next. Lower # the better!

Only DinoTri results (June 25), then we're all caught up. It's a shame that Rock Cliff & East Canyon were on the same day... I've never done East Canyon, but I've heard good things.

You can click on any of the snapshots below to make them a little bigger. Some of the splits were missing, so we had to estimate based on overall placing...

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Rio Bound! - Interview with Chris Hammer

Chris Hammer has won all three of the local races he's entered this season, but he has bigger fish to fry... learn more about this incredible athlete as he prepares to represent the US in Rio. Thanks for the time, Chris, we'll be cheering you on!

What’s your background and how did you get into triathlon?

I grew up in Michigan playing a bunch of different sports. I started running in middle school - mostly to get in shape for hockey - and found that I was actually pretty decent at it. I ended up running collegiately and a little post collegiately. It wasn't until after the 2012 Paralympic Games that I decided to pursue triathlon.

What brought you to Utah, and what’s your take on the tri scene in our state?

My wife and I moved to Utah in 2013 so that I could pursue a PhD in sport psychology at the University of Utah. My wife works as a physical therapist here as well. I am unfamiliar with the tri scene in other states because my whole triathlon career has taken place in Utah, but I have been thoroughly impressed with the Utah tri scene. There are so many great events and committed athletes, and I have really enjoyed being a part of it. And of course the scenery is incredible. I can head out for a bike and within 15 miles it looks like I am in Middle Earth (excuse my Lord of the Rings reference).

As respectfully as I can ask, were you born with the partial defect of your arm/hand or did something occur later? Does it hold you back in any practical ways as a triathlete or has it driven you to overcome and be great?

I was born without a left hand and my whole left arm into the scapular is slightly underdeveloped in general. Since I was born like this, it is hard for me to really think about what I am missing out on or what challenges I face that are unique to me because this is all I know.

Don’t be modest here… by your best estimation, just how strong are your forearms? : those of a toddler (  ) Stasinos-esque (  ) Taylor Swift-ish (  ) your average ColdStone employee (X) Serena Williams (  ) Arnold in his prime (  ) Popeye (  ) The Incredible Hulk (  ) Zeus (  )

I have to go with ColdStone employee, but mostly because I scoop ice cream for myself on a nightly basis.

When did you decide to go for the Olympics in Rio, when is the big day, and what are your goals?

After the London 2012 Paralympic Games we were invited to the White House. When I was sitting in the airport to go back home, I was surfing the internet and saw that paratriathlon was going to be contested for the first time ever at the 2016 Paralympic Games. That's when I sent an email to the USAT Paratriathlon program manager to inquire about the sport. I didn't really consider the fact that I didn't know how to swim and that I never road a road bike before. The Rio Paralympic Games takes place a few weeks after the Olympics, so I race sometime in early September. The goal is for me to get to the starting line healthy and knowing that I did everything in my power to be as prepared as I possibly could be. If I do that, hopefully the results take care of themselves.

Do you have other races on your schedule in getting primed for Rio?

I am not sure if I will be doing any other local races, but I will race the ITU Paratriathlon World Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands at the end of July.

How has Wes/ the BAM team helped you in your preparation?

Having committed coaches has been one of the most beneficial things that has happened to me as a triathlete. You don't really realize how much goes into a training plan and proper periodization, so having someone take care of that for you so that you can just focus on the actual training is a necessity. And then I also have an awesome bike coach (Jeff Sherrod) and strength coach (Andrew Stasinos) whose help has also been so important for my development as a triathlete. I also train with BAM athletes on a daily basis and have become good friends with a number of them, and that has made training even more enjoyable. Being a part of BAM has just really allowed me to connect with a network of really cool people who I am so fortunate to get to know.

On the local scene, you won Icebreaker, Salem Spring and East Canyon over a slew of young BAM talent. Like a dad proving he can still "take" his teenage son, do you feel some sense of personal duty in teaching the young bucks a lesson on race day?

That's a funny question, but there is some truth to that. I train with a lot of these guys and we all wish the best for each other, but at the same time we are competitive and we want to win. But I do hope that I can set a good example for these young guys and help them achieve their goals, because they are so talented and are going places in this sport and in life. It won't be long until I am chasing them. But also, I feel a responsibility to race well to represent paratriathlon. A lot of people see the Paralympics and para sport in general as more of a feel good story rather than high level sport. I feel that by me racing at a high level locally, I hopefully bring a little bit more awareness or maybe credibility to para sport.

Tell us about your family, you have a young daughter, correct?

I have a wife, Amy, who I met in college. We both ran on the cross-country and track teams. She was an All-American athlete and could run a 5k in the 16:40s. She works as a physical therapist now. Being in a relationship with a triathlete is not easy because it is such a demanding sport, but she supports me despite all my travel and training, and for that I can't thank her enough. We have a daughter, Peyton, who is almost a year and a half. She wears us out because she goes non-stop, but she is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

What are your plans in the next couple years post-Rio, both racing and non-racing

My focus after Rio is to complete my PhD from the University of Utah and then I probably should get a real job. I really don't know what my triathlon future looks like at this point, but hopefully I don't get too out of shape after Rio.

Related Posts:

Local Legend: Interview with B.J. Christenson

Results Breakdown - Salem Spring 2016

Results Breakdown - Icebreaker 2016

Utah Age Group Rankings: Men 25-39

We decided it would be fun to take the results breakdown to another level...

Here's a look at our not perfect, but hopefully interesting age group rankings part-way through the season.

The methodology is pretty simple:

* Utah races only, updated through Rock Cliff & East Canyon

* To be eligible, must have raced at least 2 of the races listed below:

• Icebreaker  (RaceTri)
• Ironman St. George 70.3
• Ghost Town  (TriUtah)
• Salem Spring  (RaceTri)
• Sand Hollow S/O   (BBSC)
• Daybreak S/O  (USTriSports)
• Rock Cliff S/O  (RaceTri)
• East Canyon S/O  (TriUtah)

* Will update as we go thru the season... more people will become "eligible" with more races

* Ranking is an average of your Overall %... so as a simple example if you placed 60th out of 100 in one race, 500th out of 1,000 in another, and 40th out of 100 in another, you average out to 50% for the three

So, under that criteria, here are men's 25-39.

If you're friends with someone on the list, please spread the word so they can bask in their much-deserved glory.

Rest of the men's age groups coming soon...


Related Posts:

Utah Age Group Rankings: Local Pros & Rising Stars

Utah Age Group Rankings: Wonder Women Ages 25-39

Utah Age Group Rankings: Wonder Women Part II

Results Breakdown - Rock Cliff 2016

Assisted by a couple of number crunching fellow triathletes, we'll be breaking down 2016 results race by race. The idea is to show everyone's percentile for each discipline, which is simply your swim rank, bike rank, etc. divided by the # of total participants. That way you can better compare your performance from one race to the next. Lower # the better!

We're getting there... East Canyon & DinoTri then we're all caught up. It's a shame that Rock Cliff & East Canyon were on the same day... hurt both races in terms of participation.  Rock Cliff had a small field, but it's a great race.

You can click on any of the snapshots below to make them a little bigger.

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