James Cunnama competes mostly in long-course, Ironman and Ironman 70.3 triathlons. photo: Nick Muzak
JAMES CUNNAMA is a professional triathlete from South Africa who has a passion for competing in Ironman races. He’s dedicated much of his life to the sport and two of his biggest achievements to date include winning the Challenge Roth in 2012 and coming fourth in the Ironman World Champs in 2013.
However James is adamant that his biggest successes are yet to come and he is training hard each day with the ambition to cement his place in the history books of Ironman races.
Read on to find out what it is that makes this incredible athlete tick and some of the places around the world the sport of triathlon has taken him.
When did you first realise you had a talent for running and who helped you realise and reach your full potential?
I guess I was about 11 when I really got into running and started doing well in school cross-country races. I think in grade 5 I came 2nd in the school cross-country, beating all but one grade 7 boy. I started training then and never really stopped. My parents both ran and I used to run with my mom’s running group in the early mornings before school. I’m not sure I ever really realised my full potential in running before triathlon came along and distracted me…
What were some of the biggest races you ran in and your most memorable achievements?
When I was really young Provincial champs was a big deal – I got a tracksuit and everything! – but I never really won any major events growing up. I got on the junior podium in a few 15km and 21km events in high school, but I really don’t have many palmares from my running career – it was not illustrious and you probably wouldn’t have predicted my future career based on my running when I was younger.
James in action at the 2016 Ironman African Continental Championships. Photo: Brad Taberer
When did you start out in triathlon and when did you start competing?
I only became aware of triathlon really when Ironman came to PE (where I was studying at the time) and I was drafted into the volunteer ranks by my running group. Soon after I attempted my first sprint-distance triathlon, and in less than 2 years I did my first Ironman which was Ironman South Africa 2007.
At the end of 2008 I quit my job and started as a full-time professional.
James in action at the 2016 Ironman African Continental Championships. photo: Brad Taberer
What have been your biggest triathlon successes and where in the world have they taken you?
I have been to too many places to count! Around the world many times over now. My biggest achievements are hopefully in front of me, but winning Challenge Roth in 2012, and coming 4th in Ironman World Champs in 2013 stand out.
There have been many special wins all over the place though, from home in South Africa, to Europe and even as far as Vietnam. I love being able to see new places through my career.
James in action at the 2016 Ironman African Continental Championships. photo: Brad Taberer
How many Ironman races have you competed in and what have been some of your results?
I think I have lost count! I have done well over 30 Ironman-distance events, and probably twice as many 70.3-distance events since I started in 2007. A number of wins, many many podiums and a fair number of DNF’s along the way. Failure happens in events this long!
James on the podium at the 2016 Ironman 70.3 South Africa. photo: Ironman-Craig Muller/Nelius Rademan
What are you currently training for and what are you looking forward to next in your sporting career?
I am currently preparing for Ironman World Champs in Kona, Hawaii on 8 Oct 2016. This is the seasons main goal, after which Jodie and I will return to South Africa to get married in December, before the season starts again early next year.
James at the 2016 Ironman 70.3 in South Africa) photo: Ironman-Craig Muller/Nelius Rademan
Find out more about James by going to his website http://www.jamescunnama.net
