Rising Above. Leaving a legacy: Luke Willian's vision for the future
This is the final instalment of a four part series taken from Shawn Smith's Trizone article on how Luke Willian turned setbacks into Olympic opportunities.
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Leaving a legacy: Luke Willian's vision for the future
As the sun begins to set on another day of training, Luke takes a moment to catch his breath, to let his mind wander beyond the here and now. He's spent countless hours pushing his body to the limit, chasing his Olympic dreams with a fierce determination. But as he sits down with me for the final time with a cuppa tea and choccy bikky, he can't help but think about what lies beyond, about the legacy he hopes to leave long after his racing days are done.
"I probably didn't give up," Willian says, his voice filled with a quiet intensity. "I could almost be stubborn with it. There's probably four or five times where I could have just given up and called it a day. But I kept going, kept pushing. That's what I want to be remembered for. That never-say-die attitude, that willingness to keep getting back up no matter how many times you get knocked down."
"I've been so lucky to have incredible mentors in my life," he reflects, his gratitude evident in every word. "People who have believed in me, who have shared their wisdom and their experiences. And now, I feel like it's my turn to pay that forward, to be that person for the next generation of athletes."
Willian's eyes light up when he talks about the potential of Australian triathlon, about the young talents who are just starting to make their mark. He sees in them the same hunger, the same drive that has fuelled his own journey and he can't help but feel a sense of excitement about what the future holds.
"I want to be there for them," he says, his voice filled with passion. "Not just as a competitor but as a mentor, a guide of sorts. I want to help them navigate the challenges, to share what I've learned along the way. Because at the end of the day, it's not just about winning races. It's about being the best version of yourself, about pushing beyond what you think is possible and inspiring others to do the same."
It's a philosophy that has been at the heart of Willian's approach to triathlon from the very beginning, a belief in the power of self-improvement and unwavering determination. And as he looks to the future, he knows that this is the message he wants to pass on, the legacy he hopes to leave.
"The best guys in the world, they don't focus on anyone else," he says, his eyes narrowing with intensity. "They focus on being the best they can be, on pushing their own limits. That's what I want to instil in these young athletes. The belief that if you work hard enough, if you stay true to yourself and your goals, anything is possible."
You don’t know what you don’t know. If you are chasing with humility & curiosity great things can happen.
But Willian's vision for the future goes beyond just individual success. He sees triathlon as a force for good, a way to bring people together and make a positive impact on the world. He dreams of a day when Australian triathlon is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication and a spirit of camaraderie.
"I want to look back and know that I played a part in that," he says. "That I helped build something bigger than myself, something that will inspire people for generations to come. Because at the end of the day, that's what it's all about, isn't it? Leaving the world a little better than you found it."
As the last rays of sunlight fade into the distance, Luke takes a final moment to reflect on his journey, the lessons learned, and the dreams he still chases. He knows the road ahead is full of obstacles and setbacks but armed with an unbreakable spirit and resilience, he is ready to embrace the challenges that come. With a deep breath and a fire in his eyes, Luke sets his sights on the future, knowing that his legacy isn't just about the medals or records. It's about the lives he touches, the dreams he inspires, and the indomitable spirit he embodies every time he races towards that finish line. And that, in the end, is a legacy worth fighting for.
Shawn's final notes and reflections
Interviewing Luke and crafting his story has been a wonderful experience. His unwavering determination, ability to find light in the darkest moments and deep commitment to making a difference in others has been without a doubt something that will carry with me for years to come. Luke's journey reminds us that with hard work, dedication and a never-say-die attitude, anything is possible. As I look to the future of Australian triathlon, I am excited knowing that athletes like Luke are ready to lead the charge and inspire a new generation. It's been a privilege to share his story and I can't wait to see the incredible heights he'll reach next. Luke Willian's story teaches us that the only limit to what we can achieve is the one we place on ourselves.
