Rob DeClercq Bio

 Full Name: Rob DeClercq

Age: 43

Height: 5'11"

Sport/Race: Triathlon - and SwimRun, Swimming, Biking, Running

 Instagram Handle: @triswimrob

 

 

Accolades:

USAT L1 Certified Triathlon Coach

2019 Keys100 Relay 3rd Overall

2018 Keys100 Relay 2nd Overall

2016 & 2017 SEJA Swimming and Running Clinician

2016 SwimRun NC Top 10 Overall

2016 Keys100 Relay All Men's Winner

2016 ITU Age Group Long Course World Championship Finisher

2015 Ironman 70.3 World Championship Finisher

2014 Ironman Los Cabos (sub-11:00) Finisher

2014 USAT All-American Triathlete

2013 Boston Marathon Finisher

2012 Foot Traffic Flat Marathon Age-group Winner & 2013 Boston Qualifier

USMS Dixie Zone Top 10's: 200m & 800m Free, 100y Breast, 1650 Free

OWS 1-mile and 5K age-group winner

When did you first start your sport and/or start coaching?

I've been swimming, biking, and running since I was a kid - especially in the summers when I wasn't allowed back in the house except for lunch and dinner. However, it wasn't until 2008 that I raced my first Sprint triathlon with a colleague/friend using my trusty mountain bike, and in 2017 I started coaching.

Where are you training and/or coaching right now?

I currently reside in Fort Lauderdale FL, but the world is my training ground. I travel a lot for work and I rely on training while traveling to truly see the world and get to know the local community a little deeper. As to the athletes I coach, they are geographically dispersed as well, including a few international triathletes.

What motivates you or gets you pumped up?

Knowing that every day is an Opportunity to explore, connect, and grow as an athlete but more importantly as a human being - gets me out of bed in the morning.

What is the best advice you've received?

Dr. Seuss said it best: do what you want and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. But I also live by several personal motivations - my favorite: To fear Failure is the biggest Failure.

Are there any significant experiences you've encountered as an athlete or coach that have made an impact on you?

The connections and friendships I've made as a triathlete and coach have given so much enjoyment and purpose to the Why of sport. The work is tough, it's supposed to be. But at the end of it, if it's not fun or if we can't have fun with it, why bother?

As far as true impact, finishing the Boston Marathon in 2013 left quite an impact on my outlook to Sport and Life. Just an hour after crossing the finish line, two bombs went off, one where my wife was standing when she watched me finish. Witnessing the community come together while at the same time experiencing how important it is to embrace each moment - that's made the biggest impact to me.

What is your favorite memory as an athlete or coach?

Qualifying for the Boston Marathon was the first time I realized how much greater potential I have as an athlete. But what's truly exciting is seeing your athlete realize the same and plow through those fake boundaries that something or someone has set before them.

What is your favorite RYTE Sport product? Why is it your favorite?

My briefs of course! I'm anxiously awaiting my USA prints now that summer holidays are here!

Shop RYTE Summer Collection

RYTE Sport Size Chart