It is well documented that the key to a successful professional triathlon career is a solid background in swimming. Without the mileage in the pool, it is very tough to catch up later. Clermont has something very special in local Sam Hartle. Growing up in Clermont’s Yacht Club, (about an Adam Vinatieri field goal attempt from Jaycee Beach (Waterfront Park Beach), Hartle has been around some of the great multisport athletes this town produces. Hartle bested this field this past Saturday at the classic SommerSport sprint triathlon; look for him to do it again (and many more times) at the next race come September.
Tablet: Triathlon champion! Talk about your background. Were you surprised by this weekend’s SommerSports result?
Hartle: I grew up as a swimmer. I started swimming with the club team at the NTC at the age of 10 and carried that into a 4-year career as a student-athlete at Florida Institute of Technology. However, having grown up in Clermont, I was always around swimmers, cyclists, and runners. It wasn’t until I finished my undergraduate degree in May of this year that I realized I wanted to give triathlons a shot.
In terms of this past weekend’s results, all I wanted to do was execute like my coach Robin Sandos (owner of VIP Tri-Training) and I had planned and raced hard. I’m happy that resulted in a win, but I know there’s still plenty of room for improvement.
Tablet: Fact – You are a super strong swimmer; You train with some former pro triathletes; You grew up in Clermont, all traits that are so important on the ITU circuit. Have you thought about a professional run in the sport of triathlon?
Hartle: At this point, I am happy to continue to race as an amateur. I just started a new job three months ago as a Cyber Reverse Engineer in downtown Orlando and I like the balance I have between those two parts of my life.
Tablet: Talk about your race this weekend. What went well and what are you looking to improve on?
Hartle: I was pleased with how I improved my transitions from my first race back in July to my second one this past weekend. This is something that my coach had emphasized after my first race, and it made a 32-second difference in my second race. However, I think I still have quite a bit of room for improvement on the last two legs, specifically the run.
Tablet: Talk about some of the conversations you and Local Pro Coach Robin Sandos have had throughout the week?
Hartle: I’ve known Robin for about 3 years now. I first met her on a group ride when I was still fully focused on swimming. Most of our weekly conversations revolve around key workouts for that specific week. Being a former pro triathlete herself, she understands what it takes to help people reach the level they are seeking to get to in the sport. I think this helps her more effectively coach all her clients.
Tablet: After your time at Florida Institute of Technology, it was so awesome to see you back training in Clermont. What do you like most about Clermont?
Hartle: My favorite thing about Clermont is probably the athletic community and their general attitude towards living a healthy lifestyle. That group mindset is infectious, and it really helps to lift people up and grow the city.
One thing along those lines that I noticed at the race last weekend was one of the members of Clermont Triathlon Club (CTC), Josh Castleman, raced the “Super Fun Mini Sprint” distance with his 13-year-old son. That stood out to me as a great example of how to share the sport with the younger generation and put a smile on the faces of everyone watching.
Tablet: Mom (Eileen) & Dad (Scot) have always been super active. Your pop has actually put on the famous Horrible Hundred for years. Talk about the foundation. How has this helped lay the groundwork for where you are today?
Hartle: I wouldn’t be where I am today without my parents. I can’t even begin to count how many swim meets, across the state and the country, they drove me to. Their support, patience, and guidance are the primary reasons I am the person and athlete I am today.
They gave me the freedom to try pretty much any sport I wanted when I was younger, but I gravitated towards endurance sports as I got into high school both because of their backgrounds and also because of the Clermont community.
Tablet: What do you see a few years down the road for Sam Hartle; both in sport and professionally?
Hartle: In a few years, I hope to be enjoying the sport as much as I am right now, meeting more of the incredibly passionate people in the triathlon community, and continuing to progress in my career. I believe striking that balance between career and sport makes both more enjoyable than they would be on their own.
Tablet: Anything else you want to tell your longtime Clermont neighbors?
Hartle: Hope to see everyone at the pool/lake and out riding/running around Clermont!
