Exercising a trade mission in Dakar, Ichem ZAHER wants to write a new page in the sporting history of Morocco, by trying to win the event of this extreme triathlon, scheduled between August 19-28, and which links London to Paris with a 140 kilometer foot race, a 40 km swim across the Channel and a 300 km bike ride also to the French capital.
Armed with audacity, perseverance and unwavering determination, the Moroccan triathlete says he has prepared intensively for this unique adventure which combines the most difficult and demanding events in the world of sport.
“Beyond the physical prowess, this challenge is a source of pride for me in order to inspire young Moroccans and athletes around the world to push their limits and believe in their abilities to achieve their goals,” he told MAP.
In addition to the sporting aspect, Ichem ZAHER is undertaking this adventure for a noble cause: to raise funds for cardiac surgery patronage in order to save Senegalese children who are victims of heart defects.
“This humanitarian dimension adds an even deeper meaning to my commitment and efforts,” he says, noting that this triathlon is not only a competition, but an ultimate test of “human resilience and determination.”
In addition to his participation in numerous sporting events, including the Marathon des Sables three times (twice in Morocco and once in Peru), the Moroccan athlete has taken part in around ten Ironman races, a multi-disciplinary race consisting of swimming 3.8 km, cycling 180.2 km and then a marathon (a 42.195 km run). “For me, the Enduroman represents the pinnacle of endurance and perseverance,” he concludes.
The Enduroman is a solo sporting event in the form of an extreme triathlon. It begins at Marble Arch in the city of London and ends at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Nicknamed the “Arch to Arc”, the competition is held over several days, starting with a long-distance race, an open water swim, and ending with a road cycling leg.
2024-08-16 12:13:05