Toby Powers places silver at Junior Triathlon World Championships, Montreal

A Hervey Bay triathlon superstar has taken home a silver medal after competing overseas at the world championships. Now he’s revealed just how many hours of training it takes to be the best.

On the back of his recent silver win in the Junior (under 20s) Triathlon World Championships race in Canada, local athlete Toby Powers has reflected on the hard work behind the scenes.

The now 19-year-old started training for triathlons at the age of 12, and is still with Hervey Bay Triathlon Club.

Powers told The Chronicle he trained nearly 20 hours a week outside working hours.

“Training is very difficult as I also work full time so I have to very particular with the training I do,” he said

“I train around 17-19 hours a week.”

His intense training regime includes swimming, riding, running, and strength and conditioning.

Toby Powers (left) placed silver in the Junior (under 20s) Triathlon World Championships race in Montreal, Canada, on June 24. Photo Source: Triathlon Queensland, Facebook. Photo Credit: World Triathlon.

The recent world championship race was held in Montreal on June 24.

Due to the poor water quality at the time of the event, the race became a duathlon (run and ride) instead of a triathlon.

After a gruelling race, Powers finished in 51 minutes and 57 seconds.

“Crossing the finish line was a very good feeling,” he said

“I felt relieved and happy that all my training had finally paid off and that I executed my race almost perfectly.

“I have been training with my coach Drew Box for 18 months now and in that time I have improved a lot and have been working on my mindset going into races as well as my physical ability.”

Toby Powers at the World Triathlon Championships. Photo Credit: Ben Lumley.

For Powers, his favourite leg of a triathlon is the ride, closely followed by the run.

Hervey Bay Triathlon Club Inc. celebrated Mr Powers’ achievement on social media.

“Toby Powers has taken the silver at the World Championships!! Congratulations mate,” a post read.

Toby Powers crossing the finish line in his race at the World Triathlon Championships in Montreal. Photo Credit: Hervey Bay Triathlon Club Inc., Facebook.

Triathlon Queensland also highlighted the young athlete on social media, describing him as an “extremely mature and well-rounded athlete”.

“His grit and dedication to the sport was rewarded with his appointment on the World Juniors Australian Team bound for Montreal, Canada,” the post read.

“After initially being named a reserve, Toby was elevated to the team when Australia received a fourth quota spot.”