Manche feiern ihren Geburtstag mit einem Festessen oder einer Reise. Brian aus Schottland entschied sich für etwas ganz Besonderes: Er reiste extra in die Schweiz, um an seinem 65. Geburtstag den CKW Sempachersee Triathlon zu absolvieren.

Nach einer turbulenten Anreise mit Flugausfällen, Verspätungen und verlorenem Gepäck stand er trotzdem motiviert an der Startlinie in Nottwil. Was folgte, war ein unvergesslicher Wettkampftag – mit viel Humor, einer beeindruckenden Portion Durchhaltewillen und einer grossen Begeisterung für unseren Event.

Seinen persönlichen Erlebnisbericht hat Brian selbst verfasst. Wir veröffentlichen ihn nachfolgend in der Originalsprache (Englisch). Viel Spass beim Lesen!

I travelled from Scotland to Switzerland to celebrate my 65th birthday by taking part in the Sempachersee Triathlon, which conveniently fell on the same day. My son, who lives and works in Switzerland, spotted the event and encouraged me to enter – although he didn’t enter himself, which I’m still teasing him about. Taking part in the triathlon seemed like the perfect way to mark a milestone birthday.

I booked flights well in advance, arranged a hotel in Sursee for the night before the event, and hired a bike from BikeLokal – all very straightforward. However, getting to Switzerland turned into an endurance event of its own: cancelled flights, delays, re‑routing, standby lists, and even lost luggage. It felt as though fate was conspiring against me and it had added a fourth discipline: “logistical juggling”.

The swim began with me inhaling what felt like half the lake at the first marker buoy and having a coughing fit worthy of a comedy sketch. Not quite the elegant start I’d imagined, and I think I gave the safety marshals a bit of a scare. The bike section was glorious with fast downhills, not‑quite‑so‑fast uphill sections – and scenery so stunning that I almost stopped pedalling to admire it. The run was tough but enjoyable, helped along by the warm, sunny weather and the encouragement of everyone around me.

My race T‑shirt, printed with “Wenn du das lesen kannst, bist du der Letzte” (“If you can read this, you’re last”) on its back, hopefully raised a few smiles – especially from those who overtook me.

I finished with a grin and a huge sense of achievement. The atmosphere, organisation, and friendliness of everyone involved made the day truly special. I’m already thinking about coming back next year…ideally I’ll learn I can’t breathe underwater and finish with slightly less lake water in my lungs.

I’d like to say a big thank you to the organisers, volunteers, and fellow athletes for creating such a welcoming and memorable event – you made my 65th birthday one I’ll never forget.