Sol Generation G.M William Nanjero gearing up for Norseman 2024

• Nanjero aims to be the first black African to finish the event. His vision is to continue driving the conversation and action of triathlon in East Africa.

William Nanjero
William Nanjero
Image: Instagram

Sol Generation general manager William Nanjero who is also a seasoned long-distance triathlete will compete at the Norseman in Norway, in August 2024.

Nanjero aims to be the first black African to finish the event. His vision is to continue driving the conversation and action of triathlon in East Africa.

Nanjero’s sole purpose through the brand Super Njero is to enable others to unlock the best versions of themselves.

The Norseman features a stunning course that begins with a 3.8-kilometer swim in a fjord, followed by a 180-kilometer bike ride through mountainous terrain and ends with a marathon-distance run that includes a climb to the finish line on the summit of Mount Gaustatoppen.

Extremely challenging, the Norseman is known for its extreme and unforgiving conditions. Athletes face unpredictable weather, cold water temperatures, steep climbs, and potentially challenging road conditions

Speaking to media personality Kalondu Musyimi, Nanjero said he has been a triathlete for several years now.

"I started swimming when I was 5 and reached the highest levels of swimming in the country. This set up the foundation for later years to start triathlons. Into my adulthood I picked up recreational running, however, I soon got bored with this and found my home with triathlon.

The complexities of the sport, training for three different disciplines, and the unpredictable nature of the sport were what I was drawn to. It is hard for me to get bored in this sport," he said.

Nanjero is currently in the build phase of his training, after successfully finalizing his base phase. He has been training since August last year.

"I now train 14+ hours a week," he said.

"During the week I have swimming, cycling, and running training on different days. On Saturday I have a long cycle (4+ hours) and a long run (2+ hours).

I do strength and conditioning once a week. It's not your typical gym workout with weights. My S&C Jeff works with me to isolate specific muscles and build capability."

He continued;

"I have become about my nutrition, prioritizing carbs and protein which are critical in the aiding of performance and recovery."

Nanjero says the race is critical as no one from Sub-Saharan Africa has ever done it, the most extreme triathlon in the world and the world championships of Extreme triathlon.

"It fits in with my mantra which is unlocking the hero within. With this race, I am showcasing that you can achieve anything you set your mind to, including the "impossible" with the right mix and being deliberate.

Additionally, with this race, I would like to promote Triathlon as a sport and as an option for elite and recreational athletes in East Africa. Triathlon is such a fun and challenging sport that will add value to your life."

William Nanjero
William Nanjero

On whether he has received any support from Kenyans, Nanjero said;

"Kenyan triathletes - who train with me, encourage me, and have joined the storytelling model and message #SafariNorseman is pushing. 

"Fivestars Africa and Alice Kivuva - Fivestars Africa is my official apparel partner. It is an honor to work with Alice Kivuva to bring the vision of #SafariNorseman to life through training merchandise, streetwear, and competition wear. Two iconic Kenyan brands making history.

Odoo, the platform where I have created a free website, e-commerce platform that also hosts my blog where I give updates. Kicks Kenya, creative artists, and Sol group of companies." 

He has also gained support from the Kenya Triathlon Federation.

He said East Africans who go and pioneer on the global stage should be heavily supported as they are essentially ambassadors for the region.

The press coverage both digital and above the line can offer the opportunity for them to showcase the culture, hospitality, and way of life.

"By supporting our very own we indeed are exporting our uniqueness to the world," he concluded.

He has previously represented Kenya in a long course at the world championships and gained a certification from the IOC on mental health for elite athletes.

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