XTERRA Worlds: Tales of Grit and Grandeur #5

Ben and Simon Smallbone: Dual Destiny

Ben and Simon Smallbone (USA) are on a unique Son-Father journey through triathlon because for them, this is more than just a sport—it’s a family affair. Ben’s passion for triathlon started with the support of his biggest fan, his father, Simon. "My dad only really got into triathlon because he was motivated to take part after watching me." Simon didn’t just watch from the sidelines; he decided to join in. While most families might see the parent pushing the child into the sport, for the Smallbones, it was the other way around.

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As a child, Ben thrived in the swimming pool, driven by a love for the water and guided by a coach who saw potential in him. That coach eventually transitioned to a triathlon club, and Ben, at just 12 years old, followed her into the world of multisport. "I found it more fun doing 3 sports instead of just swimming!" Ben recalls, reflecting on that pivotal moment when his athletic path changed forever.

The Smallbone duo is now set to take on one of the biggest stages in off-road triathlon—together—at the 2024 XTERRA World Championship, with both having qualified after stellar performances at XTERRA Portland. Their path into XTERRA has become a shared adventure, exemplifying how sports can bridge generations and fuel deeper bonds.

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Ben’s triathlon adventure took off in Luxembourg, where his family moved when he was just two years old. Growing up in the heart of Europe, Ben’s love for the sport flourished through the Luxembourg National Triathlon Federation. "Every year they host a test day to try and find new talent," Ben explains, remembering the day that would set the course for his future in triathlon. "In 2018, I was successful in the test and managed to get on the team." That opportunity allowed him to compete on the national level, representing the country that had become his new home.

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“It was a privilege to represent Luxembourg, a dream come true," Ben says, reflecting on his debut race for the national team in 2022. But, despite his accomplishments, Ben wasn’t done exploring his athletic potential. His passion and ambition drove him beyond Luxembourg’s borders and into the highly competitive world of European Junior Cup races. He raced against elite short-course athletes in Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands, experiences that exposed him to the intensity of international competition.

Now, in the UK and studying at Loughborough, Ben has taken another leap in his athletic endeavors. At just 16, he was selected for the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme, a program that allowed him to balance both academics and high-performance training. "Moving away from home at such a young age was a big step, but the scheme helped me focus on my sports during big competitions, knowing I had academic support," Ben says. It was a challenging time, balancing school, racing, and being so far from his parents, who had since returned to the USA. But through it all, triathlon remained his constant. He is focused on pushing himself to new limits and his long-term goals are ambitious. “I hope to continue with triathlon at Loughborough and maybe even pursue it professionally one day,” he says.

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Ben’s off-road success wasn’t limited to one continent. In addition to his triumph at XTERRA Portland, Ben also competed in 2024 XTERRA Weston Park in the UK, adding yet another win to his impressive season. “I won my age group at Weston Park this year,” Ben proudly shares. It was a significant moment, one that reaffirmed his place among the rising stars of the sport. Winning in two vastly different environments—the rugged trails of the Pacific Northwest and the scenic landscapes of the UK—showed the versatility of his abilities.

But Simon’s involvement in the sport began not as a competitive outlet for himself, but as a way to connect with his son. “It’s normally the parent pushing the child into sports, but with us, it was the other way around,” Ben explains. 

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Simon didn’t just dabble in triathlon; he fully committed, competing in events like XTERRA, Ironman, and Challenge Roth. Through this journey, the bond between father and son continues to deepen. “We train together when we can,” Ben says, though the distance between them—Ben in the UK and his parents in the USA—has made their joint training sessions rare but meaningful.

"It’s normally the parent pushing the child into sports, but with us, it was the other way around."

With intense preparation nearly wrapping up, and the trip to Molveno on deck, the opportunity to race on a World Championship level, at the same event, is a culmination of their shared mission. For Simon, who was once motivated by watching his son, this will be a full-circle moment. For Ben, racing alongside his father in Italy is a powerful reminder of how triathlon strengthens their family bond and brings them closer together. 

Adam Kolář: Data Driven

Adam Kolář (CZE) didn’t start his triathlon journey on the road or trail—it began with a bet. "I could barely swim, but I bet my wife I could do 100 meter freestyle," he recalls with a smile. "It was probably the most painful swim for both my body and ego." 

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At the time, Adam’s wife was a competitive swimmer, and it was through her encouragement and patience that he learned the basics. From there, it was only a small step to entering his first triathlon. But that first race was far from glamorous. "I took my trekking bike to the transition area filled with high-end road bikes, and I remember thinking, 'What am I doing here?'" he says. Without a trisuit, donning just swim trunks, Adam felt completely out of place. Yet, despite the odds, he managed a solid performance, opening the door to an ongoing adventure into the world of triathlon.

Adam’s early focus in endurance sports was running, but he explains, "It took me some time to realize that putting more time into running wouldn’t make me a better triathlete." His professional background as a mathematician and data scientist helped him analyze his performances in a way few athletes do.

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"Data helped me support a gut feeling I already had," he recalls. "I was basically on a plateau with run pace, and pushing it further would mean serious problems for the bike leg." This data driven approach led him to focus more on riding, sweating through virtual bike sessions in his garage during winter nights. Triathlon wasn’t just about his passion for running anymore—it became about balancing all three disciplines with precision, science, and dedication.

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Juggling life as a triathlete while being a father of three, including newborn twins, would be a challenge for anyone, but Adam approaches it with the same strategic mindset he uses for his training. "Managing this requires a lot—like, A LOT—of zen," Adam says with a smile. Training early in the mornings, before the chaos of the day begins, became routine, even if it wasn’t always enjoyable. "You can still wake up super early—even though it’s really awful sometimes—and do what you need to do," Adam says. 

Adam’s mission to qualify for the 2024 XTERRA World Championship wasn't without its challenges. XTERRA Valachy placed him in a gritty test of endurance. "It was a rainy race. Tourists passing by were in shock when they saw us—pure mud fest," he recalls with a laugh.

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Despite the rough and tough conditions, Adam embraced it, finishing 5th overall. "Those races where you end up all covered in mud are the ones that stick with you," he says. The sheer unpredictability of the conditions coupled with the camaraderie among athletes fueled his passion to push through.

"Those races where you end up all covered in mud are the ones that stick with you."

Recalling last month’s 2024 XTERRA European Championship in his home country of the Czech Republic, Adam reflects, "We made it a family trip." His wife, who helped him take his first steps into swimming, and their three kids have been his strongest supporters. Finding ways to involve his family in the journey, makes crossing the finish line a shared adventure with every early morning workout even more meaningful and rewarding.

Dwayne Dixon: Daring Determination

After two long years on the sidelines, the journey back to the XTERRA World Championship is within reach for Dwayne Dixon (USA). "I’ve been on the couch watching [live] and can’t wait to toe the line again with my fellow XTERRA friends," he shares, reflecting on a tough stretch of time marked by recovery, perseverance, and the guiding hand of his coach.

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At the core of his comeback is Lesley Patterson, 3-time XTERRA World Champion, author, screenwriter, and film producer. Her expertise and relentless drive shaped his athletic path. "I was at the strongest and fittest level I had ever been at, thanks to Lesley Patterson," he explains, recognizing the transformative power of her training before an accident abruptly changed everything.

In 2022, with the XTERRA World Championship in Italy on the horizon, everything seemed to be lining up for him. Fresh off a USA Championship win in the men’s 35-39 category at XTERRA Beaver Creek, he was at his peak. "I was also at the strongest and fittest level I had ever been at," he recalls. But in an instant, his world shifted.

"I wasn’t prepared for what came next."

In August, a wakeboarding wipeout tore his ACL, leading to reconstructive surgery in October 2022. "I wasn’t prepared for what came next," he admits. Despite expecting a 4-6 month recovery, complications slowed his progress. "I had pushed too much too quickly," he reflects.

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By 2024, he was ready to return to the XTERRA World Tour. "My goal was just to finish without hurting myself," he says about the 2024 XTERRA North American Championship at Oak Mountain. Against the odds, everything fell into place winning his age group again and a 2nd place overall amateur placing. 

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"Lesley has made me a stronger and more resilient athlete," Dwayne says, recognizing the impact of his legendary coach. "She pushes you to your limits and brings out your full potential. I’ve learned perseverance through adversity from her and a can-do attitude."

"Lesley [Patterson] has made me a stronger and more resilient athlete. She pushes you to your limits and brings out your full potential."

Now, with the 2024 XTERRA World Championship in Molveno, Italy just around the corner, the daring return to the sport he loves is driving him forward, stronger and more determined than ever.

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, part #2, part #3, and part #4 ready to provide inspiration for those dedicated to chasing their dreams.