Yo! Austin what did you do this weekend? I won a world triathlon title!

What do you do after you win a World Title? An individual state title, the fastest time ever run in state history, or being the first Missouri male athlete to make the national high school cross country championships?

Well, this writer believes all of that is possible for Austin Hindman. Coach Sean O' Connor knew he had something special as soon as this young man joined the program as a freshman. Indeed, it is a rare feat to have a freshman boy who can help an established varsity program immediately. Often freshmen lack the power, confidence, or experience that comes from surviving the crucible of a distance athlete's annual plan year after year. On the flip side, girls can typically contribute right away to a varsity squad because they are much closer to physical maturity. In fact, in elite summer races, the boys and girls in six grade often run the same times. Additionally, boys often must battle it out for an entire high school career before they can break into a team's top five. Understanding these realities, Austin is more than rare, more than special; Mr. Hindman is world class. Many of you have been following Austin for some years. However, what many probably don't truly understand is the all-consuming sacrifice that comes with being a world champion. Sacrifices shared by Austin, parents, and coach. Austin has had to balance various training schedules. The demands of triathlons often means multiple workouts in a single day so he can be elite swimming in the water, riding a bike, and running across the roads. All the training is done while balancing academics at one of the more prestigious public high schools in the state of Missouri. His parents have made tremendous sacrifices to get Austin all over the globe to compete in one of the most brutal sports devised by man. Giving up weekends, vacations, money, and time but, hey that's what good parents do for their kids. Last but not least Coach Sean O' Conner has needed to make significant changes for his program to support Austin and have a chance to help a young man reach the highest level of our sport. Being a good coach means you have to give an athlete the opportunity to recover on days that are supposed to be tough.

Flexibility in the training schedule is the key and most importantly know your stuff to balance what the athlete is doing with the high school team along with his triathlon training. It hasn't always been sunshine and rainbows. However, this weekend as fate would have it Austin experienced a glorious moment. Winning an international age group title does not happen every day. Some of you who have been around a while know that St. Louis County has had a solid tradition in the world of triathlon with Parkway South graduate Sarah Haskins recently competing for team USA in the Olympics. If you ever wondered what it takes to be World Class in the triathlon Austin was in 20th position off getting off the bike to start his run. Well, he dropped a 15:45 5K after his swimming and riding sections. He eventually won in dominating fashion, even getting to deliver a few high fives in the process to claim an international title. Good luck Austin you have a fan in me and one day I will get to tell my daughter that fast dude on TV with a gold medal around his neck at the Los Angeles Olympics used to run in my state. But, before that can happen you got some more work to do and maybe, just perhaps, lay down sometimes never seen before in our state's history. Just don't forget to thank those who love you and sacrificed alongside you day after day.

For highlights from the race:      

Quotes from Coach O'Connor

What do you think of Austin's triathlon performance?

"Impressive, it's hard to be a great runner let alone a great swimmer and cyclist as well."

How does this set things up for the rest of the season? "I think it puts him in a great place going into the end of the year. His level fitness is so impressive so now it leaves us with transitioning that into running fast times."

For more stories, ideas, or volunteering to help please contact me at my email rbanta@parkwayschools.net