Former AFL player Zaharakis set for Hawaiian Ironman debut

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 07:24 · Archive

David Zaharakis, who played 226 games for Essendon, will compete in the Hawaiian Ironman world championships on Sunday.

David Zaharakis, who played 226 games for Essendon, will make his debut at the Hawaiian Ironman triathlon world championships on Sunday. The 36-year-old qualified for the race by finishing 30th overall at this year's Ironman New Zealand. He will join a select club of former AFL players who have competed in Hawaii, including Port Adelaide's Michael Wilson and West Coast's Beau Waters.

Zaharakis competes in the highly competitive 35-39 age group. His partner is Natalie Van Coeverden, an Olympic triathlete who raced for Australia in Paris and remains among the world's best long-course triathletes. She has won five long-course 70.3 races this year and has beaten Zaharakis in every race they have done together. When asked who is the top sportsperson in their relationship, Zaharakis said 'not even a question', crediting Van Coeverden's background as a swimmer from the age of five, while acknowledging he is not a strong swimmer. The couple train together and push each other in preparation for their respective races.

How it is being reported

• AFL star-turned triathlete prepares for Hawaii debutFormer Essendon player David Zaharakis will make his debut as an age-grouper this weekend at the Hawaiian Ironman triathlon world championships.The West Australian · 9 Oct, 07:11
• AFL star-turned triathlete prepares for Hawaii debutFormer Essendon player David Zaharakis will make his debut as an age-grouper this weekend at the Hawaiian Ironman triathlon world championships.Perth Now · 9 Oct, 07:10

In this story: David Zaharakis · Essendon · Natalie Van Coeverden · Hawaii · Port Adelaide · West Coast

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