Chasing Dreams: My Journey to the Ironman World Championship – A Story of Reflection and Gratitude

This October marks a significant milestone in my career as I prepare to take a four-week leave of absence to fulfill a lifelong dream. On August 19th, I qualified at the Ironman European Championship in Frankfurt, finishing with a time of 9:28 and placing 5th in my age group for the Ironman World Championship in Kona Hawaii on October 26th.

Competing in Hawaii and racing against the best triathletes in the world has been a dream of mine since my teenage years. This achievement fills me with profound emotion and gratitude. It means the world to me and my family, offering a moment to "press pause" and reflect on the journey and people that brought me here.

My Family: The Heart of My Journey

"One Family, One Dream – Kona" has been our family motto for many years, a phrase my incredible wife Rebecca Schlecht inspired. This motto has served as my guiding light, fueling my motivation through countless challenges, from injuries to less-than-stellar races. Each setback only deepened my resolve, reminding me of the love and support that surrounded me.

My entire family, including my parents and my siblings’ families, has been my steadfast foundation. Their encouragement, love, and patience have provided me with the strength to keep pushing forward, making this milestone as much theirs as it is mine. Together, we have embraced the journey's highs and lows, celebrating victories and learning from defeats. Their unwavering belief in me has transformed a distant dream into a tangible reality.

My Friends, Training Partners and "sport crazy" colleagues: The Strength of Community

I am incredibly grateful for the friends, training partners and “sport crazy” colleagues who have stood by me every step of the way. Their belief in me during tough times has been a source of motivation that I can hardly put into words. Whether it was cheering me on during races or joining me for grueling training sessions, their presence has made the journey more meaningful.

These friendships, forged through shared sweat and determination, have enriched my life in ways I never anticipated. They remind me that this journey is not just about individual achievement; it’s about the community that supports and uplifts one another. Each smile, word of encouragement, and shared moment has been a vital part of this experience.

My Leaders and Team: A Culture of Support

I am deeply thankful for the support of Ralph Haupter and Jo?o Couto at Microsoft, who have allowed me to take this time to pursue my dream. Their understanding of my passion for this event has made all the difference. I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Ivete Ferreira , Sergio Sicbaldi , Paul Rousell and Dmitry Pakhomov for stepping in and ensuring that everything runs smoothly while I’m offline.

Microsoft is a truly special company, and it’s a privilege to be part of such a supportive community. Moments like these highlight just how great it is to work for a company that values not only professional excellence but also personal fulfillment. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a culture that encourages us to chase our dreams, both inside and outside the office.

My Coach: A Transformative Influence

A crucial part of my journey has been my coach, Philipp Seipp . "Learning from the best" is one of my leadership principles, which is why I chose him as my trainer at the beginning of this year. In hindsight, it was the best decision I could have made. Philipp has not only elevated my performance but has also taught me how to balance my training with the demands of my job and associated travel.

His guidance has transformed my approach to both athletics and life. With his support, I have developed a deeper understanding of what it takes to achieve excellence—both in competition and in my career. Philipp's belief in my potential has pushed me beyond my limits and helped me find the strength to keep going when the journey got tough.

Embracing the Moment

As I prepare for this incredible opportunity, I’m reminded of the countless hours of training, the sacrifices made, and the limitless support of those around me. Competing in the Ironman World Championship is not just a personal achievement; it is a celebration of community, resilience, and love.

This experience represents a culmination of dreams, hard work, and an outpouring of support from family, friends, leaders, and mentors. As I step onto that starting line in Hawaii, I will carry with me the hopes and dreams of everyone who has stood by my side. This is more than a race; it is a testament to the power of believing in oneself and the strength of a supportive community.

In this moment, I am ready to embrace the challenge ahead, grateful for every step of this journey. Thank you to everyone who has played a role in this incredible adventure. Here’s to making dreams come true, one stroke, one pedal, and one step at a time.