Meet triathlete Daniel McDonnell Posted by Hamilton Island - 20 November 2023 After winning Hamilton Island’s Hilly Half Marathon for the past three years and the Triathlon in 2022, Hamilton Island local, Daniel McDonnell knows what it takes to win a Hamilton Island Endurance Series event… and he’s back to reclaim his title at the 2023 Hamilton Island Triathlon. In 2022, Dan achieved a top 25 position at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships in Utah, USA, becoming the highest ranked Oceania athlete… As a Hamilton Island local, being 25 years of age, and with his recent appointment to professional triathlete, he is now one of Australia’s most exciting young athletes. Daniel, first from right, running in the 2022 event Dan recently shared his top 8 tips on how to WIN the Hamilton Island Triathlon. It’s incredibly important to keep up your hydration the day prior to an event. Going into an event dehydrated can cause increased fatigue, a reduction in athletic ability and an increased risk of heat stress. Staying on top of your hydration will enhance your capacity to tolerate longer and more intense activity. Choose an appropriate dinner option the night prior. While a simple rice option is Daniel’s ‘go-to’, he says that by eating a low-fat, high-carb and low-fibre meal, you’ll be in good stead. Pizza and pasta are both good choices. Know the course. Attend the race briefing on the Friday afternoon and become familiar with the location of the swim buoys, which roads to follow on the bike and the correct direction to run. Stick to familiar foods and eat your normal breakfast… but have it two hours before the race-start. This is a great way to prevent indigestion, fatigue and stomach discomfort. Be critical and strategic with your exertion on the bike. Work the hills and recover on the other side. It’s the most efficient way to attack a bike course. This course gives you the opportunity to ride on an airport runway. The runway will be your best friend and your worst enemy. Get your head down, find a consistent cadence, don’t underestimate the headwind… and work! I like to ride on the white outer-lines, they’re smooth and FAST. This race will generally last for somewhere between one and two hours. If you can stash an energy gel on your bike, or somewhere easy to grab at the bike/run transition, you will be thanking yourself during the run. Have fun, RACE HARD and be sure to RECOVER HARDER after the event. About the Author Part of the Whitsundays, and in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island is one of Australia’s most spectacular and sought-after holiday destinations. On a holiday to Hamilton Island, you'll be surrounded by pristine white beaches, and a kaleidoscope of coral and marine life.