South African IRONMAN legend and renowned triathlon coach, Raynard Tissink, is returning to the start line of IRONMAN South Africa in April 2014 courtesy of his nutritional sponsor GU Energy Labs South Africa, where he is to take part in the 10th anniversary edition of the race to raise funds for the IRONMAN 4 The Kidz Charity Trust.
Tissink, a long time GU Energy Labs South Africa fueled athlete, has been competing in the sport of triathlon for more than 22 years, completing 33 IRONMAN races and taking 8 IRONMAN titles in the process. Amongst these titles, Tissink achieved 4 Top 10 finishes at the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona, Hawaii; and won IRONMAN South Africa 3 times in 2005, 2010 and 2011 respectively.
Tissink, whose last competitive race as a professional was at IRONMAN Kona in 2011, remarked on Twitter “Had my rubber arm twisted into doing IRONMAN South Africa in 2014. Thanks to GU Energy Labs South Africa for the opportunity to help support the IRONMAN 4 The Kidz Charity Trust”. This comes as no surprise, as Tissink has continued working in the industry as a top-level coach with Velocity Sports Labs (amongst others coaching GU Energy Labs South Africa fueled triathletes Kyle Buckingham and Kelly van der Toorn to multiple race wins) and has thus never been far from the sharp edge of the triathlon scene.
The IRONMAN 4 The Kidz Charity Trust began in 2005 when the founders, ex Springbok rugby players Garth Wright and Gary Stephenson, realised that they could raise money for needy children in the Port Elizabeth area by participating in IRONMAN South Africa. Even though IRONMAN South Africa does seem like a daunting task, “raising funds for the children is a great motivator” says co-founder Stephenson. They would never have guessed that in 2014 they will be participating alongside Raynard Tissink in IRONMAN South Africa for the 10th consecutive year with a target of 2 Million Rand!
The IRONMAN 4 The Kidz Charity Trust is looking for other athletes to follow GU Energy Labs South Africa and Raynard Tissink’s example and partake in IRONMAN South Africa 2014. GU Energy Labs South Africa appeals to companies to show their support by sponsoring an athlete’s vest at the event; and to individuals to visit the website at Ironman4thekidz.co.za to add their support.
With the added incentive of being able to support the IRONMAN 4 The Kidz Charity Trust while also returning to his old hunting grounds at IRONMAN South Africa with the support of long time nutrition sponsor GU Energy Labs South Africa, Tissink is rearing to go and ready to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Let’s help the children by making the target for 2014 a reality. Who knows, Tissink might just have another IRONMAN South Africa podium in his future!
About GU Energy Labs
From 1991 until today, athletes the world over have come to the same conclusion: GU works. The Berkeley California based sports nutrition company created the original Energy Gel, a revolutionary and more effective method to keep athletes fueled during exercise. GU’s products have since become staples of endurance athletes' worldwide, providing scientifically proven, performance-tested Pure Performance Energy.
For more information about GU, log onto GUenergy.co.za
