Newcastle West’s best Foley chases silver for Switzerland at European Championships
When he’s not wearing his Swiss jersey, Newcastle West’s Jurgen Foley likes to don his home colors. According to the Limerick polymath, it was his way of celebrating his Irish roots that paved the way for his international success.
The triathlete, photographer, snowboarder, surfer and occasional skater represented Switzerland at the European Triathlon Championships in Munich last week.
Speaking to the Limerick Post, Foley, whose mother is from Switzerland, spoke about how his hometown helped spark his passion for the sport.
“Even though I have a German name, I always had a strong sense of community growing up. I grew up with sport and started playing football with my local team Newcastle West,” said the endurance athlete.
The 38-year-old has a long history of dipping his toe into endurance and extreme sports and, particularly in his youth, paved the way for a particular passion of his that resulted in a legacy of sorts in his hometown.
“Growing up, I loved skateboarding. A group of ten or twenty of us used to do that. I was involved in building a local skate park in Newcastle West.”
Foley attributes his relaxed demeanor, which helps him stay sane in the heat of racing, to his skateboarding past, noting, “Skateboarding definitely influences my running and coaching style, it taught me to be relaxed at the right moments .”
Never content to stay in his lane both in and out of competition, Foley is also an avid photographer. A previous photo of him – a snap of Limerick boxer Andy Lee winning his Irish title – once made the front page of the Limerick Post.
With a mammoth performance in Munich on August 15, Foley clinched the silver medal for Switzerland (although his hometown was never far from his heart), but his competitive steak, he admits, left him hungry for more.
“I thought I could win. I made a small mistake at the change but made up six places in the last 500m. I wouldn’t go if I didn’t think I was in the mix. I thought I could win”.
Still, Foley says he takes no prisoners once the whistle blows and aims to always work on his strengths.
“I’m best at cycling and running, especially running, I try to chase people on the run.”
The award-winning athlete trains year-round and poetically compares his efforts as an athlete to farming: “I always train. Like a farmer tending his fields, the best time to harvest is when the sun is out.”
The year-round training, which culminated in his Sterling Silver success last week in Munich, is clearly paying off as in his most recent ranking the triathlete improved 14 positions from his 16th place finish at the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final in Lausanne in 2019
Following his win, the humble Foley avoided lingering too long in the post-race celebrations, opting instead to return to his rigorous training regimen.
“I didn’t celebrate by celebrating. I just enjoyed the moment. I like to reflect and am grateful for the support I receive from family, friends and coaches. Otherwise, I just keep preparing for future races.”
Jurgen speaks powerfully about the benefits even young athletes can reap from running at the local park and other community-based events.
“I always tell people to go running at their local park. It’s a great way to support the local community and learn how to race. It’s also a great way for people who are active in other sports to keep fit.”
The Limerick man thanked his staunchest supporters and thanked those here at home who have always raised the flag:
“I just want to say thank you to all my friends, family and everyone else who contributed to my performance.”
Foley now wants to go one better at the World Triathlon Championship finals in Abu Dhabi next November.