**Snooker World Champion Luca Brecel Sets Sights on Challenging Ironman Triathlon**
Belgian snooker sensation Luca Brecel has revealed he is unwavering in his determination to take on the formidable Ironman triathlon, dismissing scepticism about his commitment to a fresh sporting pursuit. Speaking candidly after his recent run to the quarter-finals at the Crucible, the 30-year-old offered fresh insight into the demands of juggling elite snooker with intense endurance training, and the toll his new ambition has taken on his snooker ranking.
Brecel, who lifted snooker’s most coveted prize two years ago, has never shied away from breaking convention. Following his world championship triumph, he has attracted considerable attention for prioritising his triathlon goals, a move that has drawn mixed reactions from both fans and commentators in the world of cue sports. His focus has shifted away from snooker’s relentless competition circuit and towards the punishing regimen required for Ironman, a grueling challenge that comprises a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile cycle ride, and a full marathon run of 26.2 miles.
Despite his declining ranking, Brecel remains unfazed by the critics. His preparation for Ironman has been meticulous, stretching across Europe with training bases in Majorca and frequent cross-continental travel. Last season, he infamously moved between the Spanish island and the UK while simultaneously competing in the Northern Ireland Open—a tournament where he ultimately lost to China’s Pang Junxu after a demanding week both in and out of competition.
In the wake of his latest defeat to Judd Trump at the Crucible, Brecel was forthright about his current struggles. He shared that long matches have become mentally taxing, and confessed his aversion to extended stays in England, highlighting just how the shift in his sporting focus has affected his presence on the circuit.
However, the Belgian star is adamant that the Ironman is not simply a fleeting fancy. “Some people think it’s a joke, but I’m really serious about it,” Brecel remarked, directly addressing his doubters. He explained that Majorca isn’t a holiday destination for him, but an ideal environment for professional training, favoured by many elite cyclists due to its climate and topography.
Brecel’s plan is methodical: over the next two years, he intends to concentrate primarily on cycling and running. Only after this period does he plan to incorporate intensive swim training, with eyes firmly set on competing in the 2028 Ironman. He has already considered seeking the expertise of Belgian Ironman World Champion Frederik van Lierde, as he aims to approach the challenge with the same professionalism that has marked his snooker career.
Critics have suggested that his training stints in Spain are little more than glorified holidays, but Brecel quickly refutes such claims. “For me, being in Majorca is not really about the sunshine; it’s about the temperature and it’s a good environment to train. It’s not about lying on the beach—I haven’t even seen the beach yet. It’s all about training,” he clarified emphatically.
Over the course of the past year, the shift in Brecel’s focus has contributed to a temporary dip in his snooker performances, with his world ranking briefly plummeting. Yet recent results indicate he is adjusting, with improved showings suggesting he is finding a new balance between his dual sporting endeavours.
Brecel’s journey stands as a striking example of a star athlete prepared to leave the comfort of one world champion’s gold for the uncertainty of another sport’s most testing challenge. As he continues to carve a path between snooker’s green baize and the red-hot endurance circuits of triathlon, only time will tell if his Ironman dream will shine as brightly as his snooker legacy.
Observers remain divided: is Brecel diluting his formidable snooker talent, or demonstrating the very essence of sporting ambition? Whatever the outcome, his pursuit is certain to provide a compelling narrative in both snooker and endurance sport circles in the years to come.