Leiden-born Dylan grew up in a sporty family. With a mother who is an ultra cyclist, he was brought up on cycling and was exposed to extreme challenges at an early age. A move to the US resulted in selection for his school's running team: "Because we lived in Houston, Texas we often trained before school and I was already on the track at 6 am. However, when I decided to study back in the Netherlands I picked up other sports."
Like many students, Dylan came into contact with the sport of rowing, which he practiced at a reasonable level. Before that, he was also active on the water, but as a surfer: kitesurfing, windsurfing. But he missed the competitive element he had learned to experience in running races. When an injury thwarted a return to rowing, he picked up the gauntlet and participated in Alpe d'Huzes.
"I like extreme endurance. That's how the idea of participating in an Ironman began to develop," said the Leiden native. He signed up with the local ZVL, entered team competitions in the 2e division and won his first two races right away. Where is the limit? A question Dylan would like to see answered. "Last year I debuted with 4:07 at the Half of Nieuwkoop and got to compete at the World Ironman 70.3 in St. George. This year I want to see if a pro license is achievable," the determined triathlete expresses his ambitions.
That first full triathlon is still to come and - after rehabilitation from an unfortunate fall - Dylan will be at the start of the following races leading up to his first full:
25-06 Ironman 70.3 Westfriesland
09-07 Half Iron bikes Willebroek
27-08 World Championship Ironman 70.3 Lahti (upon qualification in Hoorn)
01-10 Ironman Barcelona
