From Football Field to Triathlon Course
Former Essendon star David Zaharakis finds himself at an interesting crossroads, balancing his new passion for elite triathlon competition with his lifelong allegiance to the Bombers. The 35-year-old, who retired from AFL in 2021 after 226 games, now competes in age-group Ironman events with his sights set on the sport's ultimate prize.
When asked whether he's more likely to achieve his Ironman dreams or see Essendon break their notorious 21-year finals win drought, Zaharakis offered a wry response. "One might be more of a chance than the other, and I will let you work out which one," he told AAP from his training base in Marbella, Spain.
The Road to Kona
Zaharakis is currently preparing for his biggest challenge yet. This Monday morning AEDT, he'll compete in the 35-39 age group at the Ironman 70.3 world championships in Spain. But the real test comes next month at Ironman WA in Busselton, where he'll attempt to qualify for the prestigious Hawaii Ironman world championships.
The Hawaii event represents triathlon's pinnacle, and Zaharakis acknowledges he'll need to produce an exceptional performance in Western Australia to secure his spot. He's targeting an ambitious sub-nine hour finish at Busselton, which would require him to complete the gruelling 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km marathon run in under nine hours.
"I'd love to go sub-nine at Busselton - that's an ambitious goal, it's a big one," Zaharakis admitted. "I'm not saying I will, but it's a goal." This would mean running the marathon component in under three-and-a-half hours, a formidable challenge for any athlete.
From Pool Sessions to Ironman Dreams
Zaharakis's transition to triathlon began modestly in late 2022 when friends suggested regular swimming as a New Year's fitness resolution. By January 10, 2023, he found himself as the only remaining participant at the pool. Soon after, his casual fitness routine evolved into a serious Ironman ambition.
"Always when you speak to past players, they're saying 'what the hell are you doing - why are you doing this?'" Zaharakis revealed. "I just love competing and I knew that I wasn't finished competing when I finished playing footy."
He follows in the footsteps of other former AFL players who've tackled the Hawaii Ironman, including Port Adelaide's Michael Wilson and West Coast's Beau Waters. The 70.3 format he's competing in Spain represents half the full Ironman distances.
Bombers in His Blood
While pursuing his triathlon goals, Zaharakis remains deeply connected to Essendon and its fortunes. He recently expressed frustration with the club's direction, describing them as a "rabble" when captain Zach Merrett appeared likely to defect to Hawthorn.
However, recent developments have given him renewed optimism. The appointments of former teammates Andrew Welsh as president, Dean Solomon as assistant coach and Ted Richards to the board have been well received by the Bombers community.
"It takes time to move the needle and I appreciate the club has made some tough calls, particularly over the last two years, in terms of their list," Zaharakis said. "I am encouraged by the club's position. I love the fact that Welshy's president now, a former teammate of mine."
He acknowledged it will be "interesting" to watch how Merrett handles staying at the club, noting that "there will be some relationships you have to mend" while praising the captain as "the ultimate professional."
Looking ahead, Zaharakis hopes to be remembered as more than just an AFL player. "I'd love, in 15 years' time, for people to not just remember me as an AFL player. 'You were a triathlete and an AFL player,'" is how he envisions his legacy.
As he continues his intense training regimen, the former Bomber star demonstrates that competitive fire burns just as brightly in triathlon as it did on the football field.
