Marc Austin – A friendly farewell from Triathlon
On the odd occasion that you ask Marc what he wants to do or what are his ambitions he might respond with… ‘I want to be more Marc’. Of course, it is a joke however, ironically it would not do any harm if the next generation of triathletes coming through the system adopt some of Marc’s philosophies or outlook on triathlon and on life. Marc may seem slightly reserved on first approach, It is likely he is listening to what the person has to say, so he can make a judgement of what he can add to the conversation rather than just inputting randomly to break a silence or to make conversation. It is when you get to know Marc that you realise how interesting he is, and it becomes quite clear why he has an ability to perform at his best when it really matters. Quite often when an athlete retires a list of their results and achievements are published without an insight into them as a person. This article is a collection of thoughts and memories from some of Marc’s closest friends in the sport as a little appreciation to him and a send-off into his next chapter. His results speak for themselves and his heroics on the Gold Coast and in Strathclyde park will always be remembered but Marc is much more than a list of incredible results.
Marc comes from a very humble family in Scotstoun, Glasgow and the roots of his values in life stem from Jude and John and he is continually grounded by his two brothers Jack and Ritchie. All of them have a pure love for the outdoors and a healthy lifestyle, with a refreshingly open mind to trying new things and experiencing as much as possible. This shows in Marc so much and it has been a key to his success in the sport. Not always following a conventional pathway for training, he established his own methods that worked for him which enabled him to enjoy each individual sport in a different way. People often questioned how serious Marc took his training because he always seemed to be running up a mountain or messing around on his mountain bike. That is probably what he wanted people to believe. He certainly did a lot more than that! But for sure he genuinely loves exploring and pushing his limits in the Scottish outdoors whether that is in the local Kilpatricks or further afield. Those who know him best will agree that he loves a good debate, usually about things slightly abstract or obscure however, it is very rare that he will lose because the things he is saying are always logical, well backed up and fundamentally correct. It is certain you will come away from the debate with a more open mind and maybe even questioning the simple things in life. Marc is so positive and lively with a clever sense of humour and an inner confidence that is really quite contagious. Even after a big night out when most are strangled by a hangover, he will drag you out early to ensure the day is not wasted.
Interestingly these few attributes are surely somewhat responsible for Marc’s success as an athlete. When you love the sport as much as he does, he is doing it completely for himself and not for sponsors, media attention or kudos from friends, this gives you the fire and drive to focus on that one target race and peak right when it matters. His deep thought process and abstract views have led to him gaining an organic perspective and an in depth understanding of his training, enabling him to fully invest in it as it his own and he believes in it 100%. Winning debates, a winning mentality does not just come from nowhere and his competitive nature is fed not just through pushing himself physically but also mentally, even if it is just with mates over a few beers. It is fair to say Marc never had the smoothest journey through his triathlon career, but any misfortune was always met with his usual positivity which eventually won out. Another important tool for being a top-level athlete. He rides the waves of life admirably and even during what is a difficult period for him now, you can be sure he will not dwell on it and will continue to make the most of anything he goes on to do.
Here are the thoughts from some of Marc’s closest friends in the sport who are all equally grateful for the fun times, wisdom, and performances that he has brought to them during his triathlon career.
Gordon Benson
10 years of racing with Marc and loved it all, vast travel, ups and downs and I think we grew and developed together. He definitely played a major part in making me the athlete I am today. We had many a close race and our head to heads were always pretty close, if he was anyone else he probably would have been my biggest rival but I could never see him as anything other than a mate.
Russell White
I find it very strange to be talking about Marc retiring, since he was probably the one person I trained with the longest while at University together in Stirling. I also had the privilege to be at a lot of the events where Marc had amazing performances and although younger has always been an athlete I look up to. I had a unique perspective to watch what he did on a daily basis and then put it all together on the big days like his Commonwealth games performances and World Championship podiums, not to mention everything between. I wanted to write about one experience together that has stuck with me and inspired me by the way Marc conducted himself as an athlete and a top guy.
I had met Marc on the morning of the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast to ride to check in together. Whilst stuck in traffic lights we discussed our feelings and aspirations for the race ahead. We had both crashed in our previous race in Abu Dhabi so we didn’t have an indication of our form, just the confidence in what we had done in training over the winter. I cannot remember the exact words Marc said, but it will always stick with me, the self-belief and conviction that he believed he could podium; and in that very moment I knew that’s what he was going to do.
That day he believed he could do it, without arrogance or cockiness; just an ability to perform on the big stage. Even though that was always his plan, his aim, his dream that day, it did not occur to him to take his podium kit for the medal ceremony. He stood on the podium wearing a very small, borrowed women’s jacket with not a care in the world which I feel is a perfect representation of Marc. An amazing athletic ability, undeterred self-belief but so grounded with a calm relaxed lovable personality. I wish Marc all the luck in the world for the next chapter, we all know he will thrive in whatever he turns his hand to next.
Declan Wilson
Marc and I have had some seriously fun times together throughout his career. Our biggest highlight I’d have to say was riding from Girona to Andorra, a 233km journey loaded up with our swim and run gear for a three day camp, with good pal Josh Amberger, and then riding back on the fourth day. We saw some stuff on those days, did some mileage, ate good food, drank bad beer, had plenty of good chats and had some epiphanies that will last a life-time.
Douglas Roberts
The fact that Marc will probably never get round to reading these comments about himself tells you more than you ever need to know about his character and the reasons he was in the sport. His champion mindset and complete dedication doesn’t quite do it justice how much he made an impact within triathlon. He had a great team around him and he was always driven to be better and learn wherever possible. I spent the best part of part of 5 years training side by side with Marc, through the tough times of injury and times of success and his attitude never changed. He will be successful in whatever path he chooses to take whether that’s in triathlon or outside our little bubble of professional sport. For me he is a great mate, a down to Earth but determined person and always the last to leave the dancefloor! Good luck champ, Don Boy.
George Goodwin
I trained and then lived with Marc for the majority of my time in Stirling. I think he taught me a lot of skills that no coach could ever hope to get across; life around training, enjoying yourself in and away from sport, the ability to pull a performance out on a big day, coming back from setbacks and disappointments. His philosophy on many things still have a positive influence on me now.
Fergus Roberts
I have had countless good times with Marc, we have been through a lot together and I am sure we will do more of the same even if Triathlon is not part of that. From the day in day out training to the big days in the mountains, sharing sweaty rooms all over the world on training camps and race trips to going wild in Fubar. Through success and failure Marc makes the most of everything he has, he lives life to the full. Something that has definitely rubbed off on me and I am so grateful to him for that along with the amazing hair cuts. His athletic talent is mind blowing to me, even after years of training with him. I will miss his big day performances almost as much as he will, that gold coast performance is something I will remember forever. Nothing will ever take that away from him or his family!
Grant Sheldon
I’ve trained and raced with Marc my entire career. We came through the ranks together and lived/attended university together for years, so it is sad to hear of his premature departure. Throughout his career he has truly been a racer that delivers when it counts as evidenced by his multiple World medals and Commonwealth medal. What made him stand out as an athlete to me though was his dogged attitude in a training session. If you were lucky enough to be on form to compete with him, you could never drop him. He knew how to battle! I wish him the best in his future, I am sure the sport will have stood him in good stead moving forward. I want to thank him for pushing me to become the athlete I am now.
Tom Bishop
I am excited to see what challenges Marc is going to undertake now he has retired. I was always amazed at how much passion he had for other things in life alongside his love for triathlon and his style as an athlete just seemed to balance the two in harmony. He was always in pursuit of just being in the moment and I am glad he can still search for that in other adventures. We’ve had some class times together, altitude camps in Livigno, beach camps in Noosa, tranquillity in Chiba. We have shared our biggest successes together, along with the rough times too. Im sad we won’t be racing each other anymore, but he’ll always inspire me to search for those moments of joy and exhilaration. And he owes me a hand poke tattoo!
Duncan Macarthur
Marc and I go way back, all the way back to 2005 actually. From 11 year olds running round fields and school pitches in races to running between bars and pubs in Barcelona: Marc and I have seen it all. We’ve competed against each other at a young age, been flat mates for 4 years and now catch up frequently and reminisce on the past 15 years. Although Marc has been an outstanding athlete, he’s been an even better mate – always has a positive outlook on everything and a joy to be around. I can mention his dedication or enthusiasm which everyone knows him well for, but what amazed me most about Marc was how grounded and humble he was. He doesn’t even strut around Glasgow with his commonwealth games medal which is such a waste. And this is why I know he’ll succeed in his next chapter.
Jessica Learmonth
Marc will be missed in the in the Triathlon World and remembered as the wannabe vegan and King of the DIY haircuts. He is someone who would be top of anyone’s list of who to have on a training camp. He’s easy going, hard working, polite, has a laugh and a deep thinker who makes great conversation. You can’t get too close though or he’ll turn you veggie! We had a brilliant camp together before the Commonwealth Games, which wouldn’t of been the same without him. He took getting stuck into the local pub’s happy hour as serious as his training! I’ll never forget the time he managed to flick a stick into his front wheel, and somersault straight over the bars and land in a perfect seated position (I wish I had it on camera). Marc will be fantastic at whatever he chooses to do after triathlon, and I look forward to sharing a few beers with him after lockdown to celebrate his successful Triathlon Career.
Guy Evans-Haggerty
Lots will be inspired by Marc’s achievements throughout his triathlon career, however, for me it wasn’t the results that I was inspired by, it was the sheer determination, drive, perseverance and character behind those results. Over the past year or so, I have had the privilege to get to know Marc on a more personal level, and the story behind his success, especially that off CWG 2018. Throughout my time within triathlon, I considered Marc a bit of a dark horse, never 100% committing to someone telling him what to do (coach) which, ironically, is another aspect I am truly inspired from. It highlights one of his major strengths, his ability to focus solely on the job at hand. As a fellow Scottish triathlete coming from a similar background, I’ll be sure to give my everything in following in his footsteps. Marc will be missed from all the triathlon community around the world, and I wish him the best of luck for his future endeavours.
