In this frank, entertaining and often poignant account he provides a fascinating insight into the professional triathlon world and its personalities. His exploration of the compulsive attraction of one of the toughest sports, which has kept him hooked into his 60s, will appeal to anyone with an interest in human nature as well as to sports enthusiasts.
Hellemans relives significant episodes from his family life in Holland where he grew up under the threat of the Cold War, and recounts his adventures as a young doctor in rural New Zealand, adjusting to a different culture and its customs.
As well as relating his own trials, triumphs and tribulations in the sport, Hellemans describes the courage and determination of athletes he has coached, as they overcame injury and other setbacks to compete at world level and he shares the excruciating intensity of watching when they sometimes came to grief.
Never, Ever Give Up? explores the motivation that kept Hellemans going back for more and that saw him complete the gruelling Hawaii Ironman in searing heat at the age of 60. Less than two years later, he suffered an exercise-induced cardiac event after a local cross-country run. Was his body telling him that it was time to give up?
Dr John Hellemans has combined his triathlon activities with a medical career since immigrating to New Zealand from Holland in 1978. John coaches at the Canterbury Triathlon Academy and advises the national High Performance Programme. He lives in Christchurch where he continues to practise sports medicine.
