A determined dad was beaming with pride as he crossed the Norwich Triathlon finish line – despite finishing third from last. Mantas Meizeraitis, 33, could barely swim and didn’t own a bike before deciding to take on the gruelling challenge at Whitlingham on Sunday. The annual Tri-Anglia event comprises a 1500m open-water swim, a 38km bike ride and a 10km run, which Mantas completed in three hours and 47 minutes despite his inexperience.
The dad of one, who moved to Norwich from Lithuania 14 years ago, decided to take on the challenge at the start of this year having never previously tackled a triathlon. Stepping up his usual gym work, Mantas still left most of his training to the final six weeks but “loved every second” of the endurance event. Mantas Meizeraitis using his Beryl rental bike during the 2024 Norwich Triathlon (Image: Mantas Meizeraitis) However, he particularly caught the eye of spectators during the cycle stage, as he used one of the Beryl rental bikes often seen on streets across the city.
READ MORE: Vulnerable people 'badly let down' by decision to close care home “I’m always up for a challenge,” said Mantas, who lives in Hellesdon and works in the housing industry. “I did it not to compete with other people, I did it to compete with myself.” Mantas Meizeraitis completed the 2024 Norwich Triathlon, which started at Whitlingham (Image: Mantas Meizeraitis) With encouragement from his close friends and family, Mantas had “lots of people cheer.
