The Original XTRI: Why Brownlee Chose Norseman

Photo by Kevin Mackinnon

For most of his life, Alistair Brownlee's focus was simple: win the next race.

After three decades in triathlon, including 18 years as a professional athlete competing at the highest level, the Brit arrives in Eidfjord this week with a very different goal. On Saturday, Brownlee will stand on the start line of Norseman Xtreme Triathlon for the first time, ready to take on a race he has wanted to do for many years.

"Norseman has been one of the bucket list races I've wanted to do for a long time," says Brownlee. "During my career I was focused on trying to win races all over the world, but there were a lot of things I wanted to do that I never had the chance to."

What draws him to Norseman is not only the challenge itself, but everything the event represents.

"I've always been the child who wants to explore new places, push my limits and discover new sporting communities," he says. "Now I've got the chance to do that, and the one race at the top of my list has always been Norseman."

Brownlee describes the event as the original XTRI and the race that inspired so many others that followed.

"If you are looking for something that is physically and mentally challenging, a bit extreme and a bit of an adventure, then Norseman is the original, the one to do," he says.

Alistair Brownlee in Eidfjord

Although Brownlee insists he is no longer focused on results in the way he once was, he admits it may be difficult to completely switch off his competitive instincts once the race begins.

"I like to tell everyone I don't compete anymore, I participate," he says with a smile. "But that's easier said than done when the horn goes."

Still, his ambitions for Saturday are refreshingly simple.

"It will mean a lot just to finish," says Brownlee. "The satisfaction of crossing the finish line is one of the big reasons I do it. My goal is to enjoy the race and experience everything Norseman has to offer."