XTERRA Worlds: Tales of Grit and Grandeur #2

Tory Sigmond: Steadfast Tenacity

Tory Sigmond's entry into the world of XTERRA was less about ambition and more about necessity. During her graduate studies in Switzerland, a country crisscrossed with lakes and rivers, she faced a stark realization at an event with friends—they were all swimming across Lake Zurich, but she was sidelined. Unable to swim more than a few treads of water, Tory decided it was time to confront her limitations head-on.

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"I originally got into XTERRA because I couldn't swim," Tory recalls. Determined to overcome her aquatic shortcomings, she set a goal that would hold her accountable in a way few challenges could: competing at XTERRA Beaver Creek back home in Colorado.

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After a grueling 1.5K swim, where she emerged dead last, she struggled with a heavy aluminum hardtail bike on the mountainous course. Despite the odds, she crossed the finish line, marking the beginning of her XTERRA journey fueled by the thrill of competition and a deepening relationship with the natural world.

Over the next eight years, Tory's involvement in XTERRA was marked by a mix of enjoyment and inconsistency. "I finished a lot of races and had a lot of fun, but my training was really not that consistent," she admits. After moving to Bangkok for her job, she competed in XTERRA Malaysia and the Philippines, navigating the courses on an entry-level bike.

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Life took a sorrowful turn when her mother was diagnosed with cancer. Tory returned to the States to assist in her care. "Getting out on my bike in the mountains brought me a lot of peace from all of the craziness that life was throwing at me back then," she reflects. As they traveled to chemotherapy sessions, they began hiking, gradually progressing from short walks to running. "I was training for XTERRA Beaver Creek, and one day when I got back from training, she commented that she wished she could run and have something to train for again." They eventually ran a 5K together at XTERRA Beaver Creek, despite her mother's terminal illness. Tory draws enduring strength from these memories: "Every time I am on the last 5K of the run during a race and deep somewhere in a pain cave, I always remember that if Mom could run 5K with terminal cancer, I can too."

"Every time I am on the last 5K of the run during a race and deep somewhere in a pain cave, I always remember that if Mom could run 5K with terminal cancer, I can too."

Following her mother's passing, Tory resumed her career on the East Coast as a management consultant, which limited her training time. A significant shift occurred three years ago when Tory relocated to Seattle. The city's abundant trail systems and a new coach reinvigorated her competitive spirit. Her renewed dedication led to significant achievements: "I've seen some of my work rewarded for winning my age group at World Triathlon's Cross Triathlon World Championship in Ibiza last year," she shares, also noting top finishes at XTERRA Portland and Whistler.

The 2016 XTERRA World Championship in Maui holds particular significance for Tory. Challenging weather conditions and a tough course tested her limits, but it was her mother's presence that truly defined the race's emotional weight. "The weather was particularly feisty... I got pulled under by the wave," Tory describes the harrowing swim. On the bike course, mud hindered her progress, requiring her to dismount repeatedly to clear the build-up. "But my mom, with terminal cancer, was there watching me. No matter how hard that race got, I just couldn't give up." This race, coupled with shared experiences hiking and running with her mother before her passing, profoundly impacted Tory's resilience and motivation.

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This year, embarking on her 11th season with XTERRA, Tory is tackling an ambitious schedule. "I'm racing 8 XTERRA events this year in 8 countries, including the World Championship in Molveno. It’s been a dream of mine for years to race the big European races," she states, marking a milestone in her racing career. 

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Her 2024 itinerary was as challenging as it is inspiring, featuring the XTERRA North American Championship, XTERRA Belgium, XTERRA Switzerland, XTERRA France, the XTERRA European Championship, XTERRA Germany, XTERRA Whistler, and finally the XTERRA World Championship.

Each race not only represents a competitive challenge but also a personal celebration of life's possibilities. Aware of her own health's potential fragility, Tory views each race as a precious opportunity: "My mom had a lot of health issues and passed away from cancer when she was 55. I feel so fortunate and grateful to get to go race and explore so many amazing places."

"I feel so fortunate and grateful to get to go race and explore so many amazing places."

As Tory gears up for the 2024 XTERRA World Championship, her journey transcends the physical races into a profound engagement with life’s potential, driven by a legacy of strength and a heart full of gratitude.

Ilias Tsaparelis: New Horizons

Three years ago, at the starting line of his first XTERRA event, Ilias Tsaparelis (GRC) set three simple yet daunting goals: "not to drown, not to fall off the bike, and not to pass out before the finish line." 

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Transitioning from an ultra-running background to triathlon posed a stark contrast. "Diving into the world of triathlon, especially an off-road one like XTERRA, seemed like a completely different universe," Ilias explains.

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Confronted with the challenge of mastering new disciplines, Ilias faced his biggest hurdle yet: "As an ultra-runner, swimming was completely outside my comfort zone." His initial entry into triathlon was about survival, where "pushing my limits was exactly what I needed." Each race and training session provided a platform to challenge himself and grow stronger, both physically and mentally.

Based in Thessaloniki, Greece, Ilias benefits from a rich mix of training options. "The city offers a great mix of road and trail running routes, along with access to open water for swimming and diverse terrain for mountain biking," he notes, appreciating the supportive environment that has enriched his training.

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"Initially, even swimming 25 meters felt like a struggle," he recalls. “Triathlon isn't just about endurance; it's about efficiently moving through multiple disciplines, managing energy levels, and executing quick transitions." 

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During this transformation, doubts frequently surfaced, questioning his new path. "An internal voice often questioned my decision: ‘Maybe this isn’t for you,’ ‘Maybe you should stick to running,’" Ilias shares that overcoming these doubts required patience, persistence, and humility.

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"I’ve learned to savor each moment, understanding that it’s the journey, not just the finish line, that matters and embracing every bump and twist along the way."

Community and connection have been vital for Ilias throughout this process. He shares, "What keeps me going is more than just the races. It’s the people." Ilias found a sense of belonging among his peers as he continues to explain, "The XTERRA Community welcomed me with open arms. From fellow athletes to volunteers and supporters, I found a tribe that shares my passion and enthusiasm."

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A defining moment came during this year at XTERRA Greece in Vouliagmeni, a course he knew well. Despite starting confidently, Ilias faced unexpected challenges. "Once the race started, things quickly got tough. I felt disoriented, my transitions were slow, and my feet were exhausted," he recalls. "Despite these challenges, I still managed to set a personal best time and earned a spot in the World Championship," Ilias proudly states. "It showed me that persistence really does pay off, even when things get difficult."

"What keeps me going is more than just the races. It’s the people."

Ilias sets a clear vision for his upcoming challenge: "For the XTERRA World Championship, my primary goal is to embrace the experience and give my best effort." He looks forward to competing on the global stage, highlighting his personal ambitions: "I aim to push my limits and see how far I can go on the iconic Molveno course."

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He also emphasizes the importance of camaraderie in his journey: "This year, I'm fortunate to be joined by two great friends in Italy, including the person with whom my journey in running began over a decade ago."

Offering guidance to fellow athletes transitioning from ultra-running to triathlon, Ilias advises, "Embrace the new challenge with patience and an open mind." He continues to highlight the supportive nature of the triathlon community: "Connect with the triathlon community; the support and camaraderie will make the journey all the more rewarding."

"I’ve learned to savor each moment, understanding that it’s the journey, not just the finish line, that matters and embracing every bump and twist along the way."

Concluding with a call to unity and encouragement, he states, "See you in Molveno, where our journeys will converge, and we will continue to inspire each other to reach new heights. XTERRA is not just about winning; it's about the adventure, the connections, and the fulfillment you find along the way."

 The 2024 XTERRA World Championship returns to the village of Molveno, situated beneath the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Brenta Dolomites in the northern Italian Alps. Marking the first relocation of the XTERRA World Championship outside of Maui, Hawaii, since its inception in 1996, this is the main event of the XTERRA World Tour and it’s off-road triathlon's greatest week of racing. Tales of Grit and Grandeur is a series celebrating those taking on the challenge, with part #1 ready to provide inspiration for those dedicated to chasing their dreams.