After seven years’ absence, Marlin Cozett is back in world-class triathlon competitions.

Marlin (35) has been included in the South African Triathlon team that will compete in the World Triathlon Championships in Vancouver, Canada, on June 7 and 8. The Olympic distances for the Triathlon are 1 500m swimming, 40km cycling and 10km running.

Cozett, who holds a degree in Human Movement Science from UCT, has been the sports officer of the Airforce Base Makhado since 2003. In the past, he was a personal trainer for a large company as well as on luxury liners.

"I competed in two World Student Games in 1996 in the Chzech Republic and 1998 in Germany. In 1999 and 2000, I participated in the Wold Triathlon in Perth, Australia and in 2001 in Edmonton, Canada," said Cozett. Since then he lay off for a while and later had a struggle to lose weight. He was eventually triumphant and now regards triathlon as a lifestyle that can be continued even up to 70 years of age.

This year in February, Cozett participated in the South African Triathlon Championships in East London where he represented Gauteng North and achieved a fourth place in the age group 35 to 39 years. He was thrilled when the team manager of the SA Triathlon team contacted him to inform him of his inclusion in the team.

Before competing internationally once again, Marlin will first show his steel in the challenging Iron Man competition on April 13 in Port Elizabeth where he will swim 3 800m, cycle 180km and run 42km.

"For Iron Man, you prepare for a whole year and often start training at 03:30 in the mornings and train right through weekends. The emphasis is on endurance," Cozett said.

After the Iron Man competition, he will have six weeks to prepare for the World Championships and he will have to concentrate more on speed.

"I will also participate in the Makgopa Triathlon at Schoemansdal on May 10," Cozett said.

The approximate costs to attend the World Triathlon Championships will be in the region of R30 000 and Cozett appeals to donors and sponsors to assist him in making his dream come true. In return, sponsors are allowed to place their logos on the athletics race and competition kit.

Cozett can be contacted on 073 642 0486 or 015 577 2028 during office hours