PART 2 - We sit down with Rhys Corbishley and discuss his rapid rise from The Ironman World Championships in Kona To his recent run of top 3 AG finishes in both the 70.3 and Ironman Oceania events.
A huge amount of Rhys' journey has been documented on the Bottle.It Instagram account, but now we get to dig deep into the process behind the bloke that only has one speed. He has worked tirelessly to improve not only his performance, but himself as he chases this Ironman Rabbit down a hole.
Rhys rounded out 2023 with this wrap sheet:
- March - 2nd Overall Husky Classic
- May - 2nd Overall Port Mac 70.3
- May - 10th Overall Sydney Runaway Half Mara
- June - 2nd Overall Cairns 70.3
- August - 33rd Overall City 2 Surf (46.38)
- December - 2nd AG Ironman Busso (55secs off last years course record)
Huge nudge from a bloke only 2 years into the sport.
What better way to set up Part 1 of this conversation then with the caption that summarised and predicted Kona! Enjoy the show.
"Athlete in Review : @rhys_corbishley
Rhys is the perfect Athlete. Has a unwavering focus, unmovable mindset, and to put it simply, doesn't think of excuses or reasons to stop. Kid just goes.
This ain't a review, this is like a progress report as his Ironman journey is far from over. To put it into context of how far he has come I'm gunna try and keep it short and sweet.
Only ever competed in 2 triathlons. Ever. Both of those were Ironman.
Cairns last year and Port Mac this year. No club races, no background in the sport, just an engine and curiosity into how far he could go.
He went 10hrsish at Cairns on 2 cliff bars, an inability to swim, and spending 8mins in transition looking for said cliff bars. He earned a Kona call up on debut. But declined due to Covid closure. So lost his spot.
Heading onto Port he was hungry for a sub 10 and a Kona spot, knowing it was a harder course, and a stacked field. The bloke dodged kick ons, applied himself to the dark art of swimming, and sought advice from everywhere to ensure come race day, no stone was left unturned.
By God didn't he have a day at Port. The only cyclist that didn't catch a roadtrain, the only bloke infront of his run time was the event winner. He stacked it up got his sub 10. Uncoached. If you swim and ride for show, and run for dough, this kid is a Baker... runs like he hasn't ridden.
However, given the field, had to wait till Mondays roll down to see if Kona called! Got his floral necklace, got to meet a Goat. Kids going to Kona!!
For context, ill use rugby as its his background.
His rise to Kona is essentially: Managing to get a start with the Waratahs, accidentally. Playing a huge game, nailing it, then steps on the field for the Wallabies, nails it, and now in his 3rd game, lines up at the World Cup final. (As a Kiwi he'll love those teams).
This is not normal. Rhys is not normal.
@rhys_corbishley is starting at Kona.
Believe me when I say this. Remember the blokes name, alot of people in Hawaii will be seeing the back of his Tri Suit."