Since many on this forum travel to distant corners to race and vacation, I thought I would ask: does anyone here know any triathletes (perhaps ones that speak a little English) or triathlon clubs in Santiago, Chile? I am heading down there (sadly not for a race, but for work). If you happen to have any leads, it would be great to meet Chilean athletes and get some info about places to swim and train. Thanks.
One of my all time favourite triathletes is from Chile. Christian Bustos. I’d have no idea how to get hold of him or even if he is still racing. Anyone? If there is one guy in the sport I’d like to meet it’s be him…one tough dude. Already met his female equivalent…Karen Smyers…nicest person (not just athlete) I have ever met. Still have a signed Team Pioneer tshirt with her name on it somewhere.
Thanks for the reply. Quite a while ago, Christian Bustos was hit by a car while training on his bike. He was quite significantly injured, but he recovered and came back, did some more races, even an Ironman I think, but since then he has faded from the racing scene.
I was really looking to get info on less elite athletes, perhaps just an age-group tri club in Santiago, if one exists. I tried to find info via the ITU site and got an e-mail address for the Chilean Tri Federation, sent them an e-mail, but it got bounced back. Oh well…
Actually Greg he did more than get hit** **by a car in training. He was completely run over and stopped on by a Jeep during a race in Argentina. Apparently the jeep carrying Argentine media got a bit too close to Bustos (when he was leading the race…an Argentinian in second place which made a lot of people say hmmm) and ran him down…when the noticed he was under the jeep they slammed on the brakes (doint way more harm than good). The damage was thought to be the end of him (including a severed humeral artery <I’m likely wrong here and some med student will correct me…live with it>) He took a long time to bounce back and eventually gave Mark Allen a good run for his money taking second at Hawaii. Details can be found the in 25th anniversary Ironman book that came out not long ago.
As far as finding non pro athletes from Chile…couldn’t tell you. Sure wish I could take the time/money and head down there myself though. Either way best of luck.