Chubby Kiwi beat the blues with triathlons

Dreydon Sobanja lost 20kg and gained peak fitness after deciding to compete in triathlons. Photo / Supplied

Dreydon Sobanja lost 20kg and gained peak fitness after deciding to compete in triathlons. "It feels awesome," he says.

- Overweight and feeling down, accountant Dreydon Sobanja turned to triathlons in a bid to turn his life around.

Now, the 39-year-old from Mission Bay is preparing to compete in one of the world's top triathlon events - this Sunday's Barfoot & Thompson International Triathlon Union World Cup series in Auckland.

He is one of hundreds of ordinary Kiwis who will be competing alongside some of the world's best, including New Zealand's Hamish Carter, Bevan Docherty and Andrea Hewitt.

Mr Sobanja said he had loved cycling and running in his younger days, so felt that taking part in a triathlon might be a good challenge.

"My family know how hard it got for me. I was a very depressed man. It was a tough time.

"I decided that I needed to turn my life around and this is where I found happiness - in triathlon. It feels awesome. I am truly happy now."

Mr Sobanja will compete in the 40-44 age-group sprint race, which includes a 750m swim, a 20km cycle and 5km run.

He has been training since October last year and has lost 20kg in the process.

One of the incentives to train hard and go on to do well in this weekend's race is the chance to compete in another top international triathlon event, the World Series Final.

That will take place in Auckland next year.

"[Triathlon] is one of only a few sports in which you can represent your country in any age group," Mr Sobanja said. "I really want to do that - to put on a black singlet."

He hopes to set up a programme to inspire youngsters and help them to achieve at a high level.

NEED TO KNOW

* What: Barfoot &Thompson International Triathlon Union World Cup.

* When: Sunday. First race starts 7am. Last race ends 4.30pm.

* Where: Central Auckland.

* Who: About 1100 triathletes and tens of thousands of spectators are expected

* Watch out for: Dozens of full- and half-road closures and parking restrictions throughout the Auckland CBD, particularly downtown.

* Advice: Travel early or avoid the inner-city.

* Find out more at: aucklandtransport.govt.nz and triauckland.co.nz