The Power of Determination
Born in Bahrain and raised in Dubai, Zaid Baig moved to Goa in 2007 when his father established a pharmacy. He completed his schooling at Don Bosco Panjim and earned a Bachelor’s in Computer Applications (BCA). Eager to pursue a Master’s in Computer Science in Canada, the pandemic abruptly halted Zaid’s plans.
Reflecting on his early years, Zaid recalls, “I struggled with my weight, tipping the scales at around 200 pounds by the end of high school. My self-esteem took a hit, preventing me from fully enjoying activities I loved, like football. I often found myself glued to video games and indulging in junk food.”
In his second year of BCA, Zaid decided to transform his lifestyle. He started working out at a local gym, gradually losing weight and gaining confidence. “I began with treadmill walks and online workouts, which sparked my commitment to fitness. Within a year and a half, I dropped from 102 kg to 67 kg,” he shares.
When gyms closed during COVID-19, Zaid faced setbacks and reverted to old eating habits, leading to weight gain. A serendipitous social media post about triathlons reignited his passion for fitness. “Seeing athletes like Jan Frodeno and Lucy Charles-Barclay inspired me to explore the discipline required for triathlons,” he explains.
In 2020, Zaid boldly announced his intention to compete in a triathlon, despite having no prior training in swimming, cycling, or running. He struggled initially, unable to run a kilometer without difficulty. Undeterred, he dusted off his neglected bike and sought coaching. Connecting with coach Agnelo Desa, Zaid began training in March 2021, joining a supportive group of athletes that fueled his progress. He later teamed up with swimming coach Indrajeet Khadlikar, transforming from a novice swimmer to a competitive triathlete within a year.
Recognizing the importance of nutrition in endurance sports, Zaid pursued formal education through esteemed institutes like Precision Nutrition and NSCA, enhancing his training regimen.
Zaid faced financial hurdles as triathlons are costly, particularly due to equipment needs. “When I started, my family struggled financially due to COVID. Our neighbors recognized my dedication and generously gifted me a road bike, which significantly boosted my cycling performance,” he recalls.
His journey culminated in participation at the national-level ITF Open Triathlon, marking his first Olympic-distance event. “It opened my eyes to the triathlon world,” he states. Following that, Zaid actively competed in local races, gaining momentum.
One of his proudest achievements came during the National Games, where he represented Goa alongside three other athletes. “It felt like the Olympics of Indian sports. I finished 20th among 32 in the individual sprint and our mixed relay team placed 9th out of 15 states, a significant accomplishment as triathlon is just emerging in Goa,” he reflects.
Looking ahead, Zaid aims to excel as an athlete while expanding his nutrition business to assist others in achieving their goals. “I aspire to secure a podium finish at next year’s National Games in Goa and dream of competing in the 2028 Olympics. With hard work and consistency, I believe it’s achievable.”
To aspiring triathletes, Zaid advises, “If you’re passionate about something, pursue it wholeheartedly. Everyone deserves a healthy life, and triathlon welcomes individuals of all ages and fitness levels. The key to success is consistency; the daily commitment leads to long-term results.”
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