Simon Whitfield Looking For "More Balance"

Canada’s Simon Whitfield says that in addition to shifting his focus to long-course racing, he’ll be working on finding more balance at home.

He was away from home – and his wife and two young daughters – for six weeks last summer in an all-in commitment to try to win one more Olympic medal. Now, it’s time to pay a little more attention to the home front while re-working his training for some new challenges.

“My time now is focused on catching up at home,” the two-time Olympic medallist Whitfield said in an interview from Victoria last week.

“No winter training, at least no significant training. I could see doing a one-week fun camp somewhere where I could bring the kids with me.

“My life needs more balance around home and family. I’ll put an honest effort into those. Plus, I’m excited about some projects around here.”

Those projects include a multi-event endurance festival in Barrie, Ont., in June. Whitfield came up with the concept and will host the event, which will include a half-marathon, a cycling race, a paddling race and five-kilometre run.

He’s also looking at creating some triathlon races that are more accessible and less expensive to enter for recreational athletes.

Read more: Vancouversun.com