Never, Ever Give Up? A Memoir

Published by Canterbury University Press, Christchurch, 2018, 224 pages.

In 'Never, Ever Give Up?' John Hellemans looks back on his long career in triathlon, initially as a successful competitor, and subsequently as a coach, sports medicine doctor and advisor for some of New Zealand?s best-performing triathletes, including Erin Baker, Kris Gemmell and Andrea Hewitt. In this frank, entertaining and often poignant account he provides a fascinating insight into the professional triathlon world and its personalities, including athletes and other coaches. His exploration of the compulsive attraction of one of the toughest sports, which has kept him hooked into his 60s, will appeal to anyone with an interest in human nature as well as to sports enthusiasts. Adding context and subtext to his sporting career, Hellemans relives significant episodes from his family life in Holland where he grew up under the threat of the Cold War, and his adventures as a young doctor in rural New Zealand, adjusting to a different culture and its customs.

'Never, Ever Give Up?' explores the motivation that kept Hellemans going back for more and that saw him completing the gruelling Hawaii Ironman in searing heat at the age of 60. Less than two years later, he suffered an exercise-induced cardiac event after a local cross-country run. Was his body telling him that it was time to give up?