Proposal sought for directive safeguarding workers against radiation hazards from ionizing radiation by the Commission.
57-Year-Old Hobby Athlete Completes Toughest Triathlon Race
Thorsten Schröder, a 57-year-old hobby athlete from Reinbek, has successfully completed the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, one of the world's most challenging triathlon races. The competition, held in Norway, pushed Schröder to his limits and offered him a unique experience.
Schröder's training preparations for the Norseman took a setback in March when he suffered a keyhole fracture of the fibula during a cycling accident on Fuerteventura. Despite this setback, Schröder's determination remained undeterred, and he continued his journey towards the Norseman.
The Norseman competition is renowned for its extreme distances and challenging terrain. It consists of a 4-kilometer swim in the cold Eidfjord fjord, an 180-kilometer bike ride through the rugged Hardangervidda plateau, and a marathon over 42 kilometers, culminating at the summit of Mount Gaustatoppen. The race requires athletes to endure more than 5,000 meters of total elevation gain.
Schröder found the last half of the run in the Norseman competition to be "consistently very steep." However, he expressed relief upon reaching the finish line, stating, "I enjoyed the challenge of the Norseman. I like pushing myself and fighting."
The "magnificent landscape" of the Norseman competition was a highlight for Schröder, who described it as a form of sightseeing. He also found the support and camaraderie among fellow competitors to be a significant part of the experience.
Schröder reached the summit of Gaustatoppen mountain, located about three hours west of Oslo, in just under 15 hours. Despite the strenuous race, Schröder considered the "greatest reward" to be having "absolutely nothing planned in the days that followed."
Schröder, who has successfully participated in the Ironman in Hawaii multiple times, placed 123rd in the Norseman competition. The event attracts both elite triathletes and dedicated hobby athletes who seek to test their limits in extreme endurance sport.
The Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, designed by Hårek Stranheim and first held in 2003 in Norway, is a testament to human endurance and resilience. It is not just a race but a community of athletes who share a passion for pushing their limits and supporting each other in their personal challenges.
The demanding competition, the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, intertwines elements of science, as athletes prepare their bodies for the arduous task, and health-and-wellness, as participants strive for personal bests and overall well-being. Thorsten Schröder's significant achievement in completing the race, despite a cycling accident, showcases the indomitable spirit of fitness-and-exercise enthusiasts and sports aficionados alike.
