athlete: Richard Stabler

NATIONALITY: british

DATE OF ATTEMPT: 21 - 30 July

About Richard:
I fell into triathlon by accident. I had passed selection to join the Royal Marines and picked up an injury. My sports masseur was a triathlete who invited me to try out swim, bike and run. I’d never done much sport before in my life. Within 6 months I went from the slow lane to the top group across all three disciplines. Within a year I did my first Ironman at age 23 in 10 hours 30 mins. I then qualified for the Ironman world champs finishing 2nd in my age group at Ironman South Africa.  I have also raced at Olympic distance worlds and qualified for the 70.3 World Champs.

I have completed the Norseman extreme triathlon (black t shirt)

I’ve done 12 Ironman triathlons and numerous sprint, olympic, 70.3 races over a 20 year period. I have also done several swim/ run races (Otillo) globally.

I have always been interested in swimming the channel but as a triathlete. A2A is the opportunity to do that which is why I signed up.

It’s been a huge pleasure meeting Eddie and other A2A athletes on the great training camp we had in January in Lanzarote. All of the athletes want each other to succeed which is lovely.

Instagram: @stablernator