Smith eyes victory upon return to triathlon in San Francisco
The New Zealander returns to the site of his dramatic second-place finish 12 months ago, where he lost out by one second to Belgian rival Marten van Riel.
And having also come second in the London leg of the series last year, Smith, who was victorious in Challenge The Championship and Challenge Wanaka events in 2024, wants to make sure he is top of the podium this time around.
'Right now, everything that I'm doing and everything I'm geared towards is about winning,' he said.
'That's the way I get motivated. That's the way I wake up every day to do the sport.
'This is one of the hardest sports in the world, so I think you need to have those lofty goals to get you out of bed in the morning.
'If you ask me on Sunday morning, what I'd be happy with, it might be very different to now. But at the moment, I'm going to say that winning is the only goal.'
Smith arrived in San Francisco looking to take confidence from his performance in last year's event.
Despite narrowly missing out on the top step of the podium, his display showed him what he could do among the world's elite.
'Last year was my announcement back at the highest level,' Smith continued.
'I almost didn't believe that I could win at the highest level before that.
'Obviously, when it came down to that sprint, to lose by that much is bittersweet, but it gave me so much confidence and gave me the belief back in myself that I can be here.
'This year, I feel like I'm physically in as good a shape as I was last year. But this time, I'm coming in with the belief that I can do it as well.'
The event in California is the second T100 race of the 2025 campaign and Smith's first.
He missed the first race in Singapore having not fully recovered from Rhabdomyolysis – a condition caused by muscle injury which results in muscle weakness, pain and swelling.
'I've bounced back really well,' he added.
'I felt like I went back to square one and I was nervous for this race.
'But it's amazing what you can do in seven weeks. The body is amazingly resilient.
'I've had a really good, consistent, solid block coming into this race.
'I'm a little bit out of practice on the racing field, after not racing for six months, so I'm looking forward to getting back out there and blowing out some cobwebs.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
First casualty of new regime as high profile departure set to be announced by Rangers as American owners begin rebuild
RANGERS technical director Nils Koppen has seemingly become the first casualty of the new American regime at Ibrox as reports suggest he is to leave the club. The Belgian only assumed the role six months ago being promoted from director of recruitment, which left SunSport columnist Kris Boyd scratching his head at that move. 3 Nils Koppen to leave his post as Rangers technical director Credit: Willie Vass 3 Hamza Igamane scored 16 goals for Rangers last season Credit: Getty 3 Vaclav Cerny has left Rangers after his loan spell came to an end Credit: Willie Vass Koppen oversaw the club's transfer strategy and had overall responsibility for the men's academy, medical, football operations, performance and analysis departments. During his tenure Rangers signed the likes of Hamza Igamane and Vaclav Cerny who have been seen as successes by most supporters. Yet those additions failed to prevent Rangers finishing a huge 17 points behind rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership. Fans were also less than impressed with players like Rafael Fernandes who struggled with injury. The former PSV scout is to leave his post as technical director just days after the US Consortium took over the club. Private healthcare tycoon Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers Enterprises have bought a 51 per cent controlling stake at Rangers and have made £20 million available to begin the summer rebuild at Ibrox. According to the Daily Record, Koppen's departure will be announced on Monday as Kevin Thelwell officially becomes the club's new sporting director. Dan Purdy, who worked alongside Thelwell at Everton, is understood to be Koppen's replacement. The news has been welcomed by fans on social media. One fan said: "Good start by the new owners, clearing out folk not good enough." Rangers fans react as 49ers takeover completed Another added: "Good start to the 49ers era. "Could have survived here in a lesser position but the promotion to technical director mid-season was nearly as bad a decision as Clement's new contract." A third commented: "He was not qualified to do the job he had at Rangers in the first place, let alone the promotion he later received. "Another shambles by the club." A fourth added: "New regime off to a flyer." Meanwhile, Ridvan Yilmaz could be set for return to Turkey with Besiktas understood to be in talks. Robin Propper is another player likely to leave Ibrox this summer - the Dutchman tipped for a return to FC Twente. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
STV News
2 hours ago
- STV News
Rangers technical director Nils Koppen set to leave Ibrox
Rangers technical director Nils Koppen is set to leave Ibrox, with the club's new owners moving in a different direction. The Belgian, who joined Rangers in January 2024, was appointed to his current position in November but will now depart just six months later. The news comes just days after the takeover by 49ers Enterprises, and health tycoon Andrew Cavenagh was confirmed. STV News understands that former Everton man Dan Purdy will be the next technical director at Rangers. Kevin Thelwell, who also previously worked at the Merseyside club, officially begins his role as sporting director at Ibrox on Monday. Koppen will stay in his role to help with the transition before standing down. Rangers are also still in the hunt for a new manager to take them into next season with former Real Madrid coach Davide Ancelotti the current favourite for the job. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The National
2 hours ago
- The National
Rangers to appoint second ex-Everton man as Koppen departs
Koppen is on his way out of Ibrox as he gets set to step down from his role as technical director days after Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises took a controlling stake in the club. The new owners are looking to restructure things behind the scenes but it's understood the Belgian's exit is not a reflection on the work he has carried out. Koppen's departure will be announced tomorrow and Rangers Review has now delivered the update that Purdy will start work on the same day. It comes with ex-Toffees director of football officially starting as the Light Blues' new sporting director. Read more: Rangers technical director Nils Koppen departs after 18 months Celtic hero not worried by Rangers takeover as he makes 'doesn't matter' claim Koppen initially came in as director of football recruitment from PSV Eindhoven in December 2023 and was later promoted to technical director. He leaves after 18 months at the club but will assist in the short-term with the transition. Purdy previously worked with Thelwell at the Premier League outfit and has already left his post there. Rangers are now expected to make an announcement on their new manager in the coming days, with Russell Martin and Davide Ancelotti frontunners.
