Triumph on and off the track: Balancing a full-time career with world triathlon championship aspirations

In today’s demanding work environment, achieving a healthy life balance is essential for overall well-being and success. GVK Siya-Zama’s Greg Saharin seems to have mastered this, effectively managing a high-pressure career alongside daily rigorous triathlon training. 

His qualification for the Triathlon World Championships in Spain this October demonstrates that success in both professional and personal pursuits is attainable, albeit with extraordinary effort.

As a Senior Quantity Surveyor at GVK Siya-Zama, one of the biggest independently owned construction companies in South Africa, and a competitive triathlete, Saharin reflects on how sports discipline can drive productivity and success in the workplace. 

He emphasises the importance of prioritisation and strategy in achieving success, likening it to the 80/20 rule where 80% of results come from 20% of activities. He applies this principle in all aspects of his life, balancing intense daily physical workouts with demanding professional responsibilities in a deadline-driven job. 

Saharin’s days mostly start at 4:30 am. After taking care of his baby while his equally sporty wife trains, he heads off to the gym pool for a 3km swim under the watchful eye of his coach. His swims are meticulously plotted and tracked, with his coach refining his technique. 

Lunchtime is not for leisure; he uses the gym at the office to complete a 10km run. Weekends are reserved for longer bike rides and training sessions. He cites the support from his colleagues and access to a well-equipped gym at work as major motivators, though his internal drive keeps him focused. 

He recalls how his entry into triathlons was unconventional. “It all started when I entered a race as a challenge,” he recalls. “I had two weeks to prepare and no prior experience. My boss, Chris Maughan, lent me a bike, I hired a wetsuit, ran in normal tackies, and just showed up, believing I could do it, and ended up loving it. What began as casual training evolved into a rigorous regimen of 12 sessions a week, balancing swimming, cycling and running with work and family life thrown into the heady mix.”

Before competing in triathlons, Saharin was a South African mountain biking champion, representing the country at several World Championships in New Zealand, Scotland and Italy. The upcoming competition in Spain marks his fifth appearance at a world championship event.

Looking ahead, Saharin says: “My ultimate goal for 2024 has been to represent South Africa in the upcoming championship in October. To qualify for the team, I raced at the Western Province Championships in February and then represented WP at the SA National Championships in Gqeberha (PE) in April. I’ve been training for this event for the last two years, a regime that has included an average of 12 training sessions a week.”

“Behind every athlete is an enormous support system made up of family, friends, sports enthusiasts, companies and generous contributors/sponsors. Without all of them, none of it would be possible. I am particularly grateful for the support I receive from my company, and managing director, Chris Maughan who has been an enduring ally in my competitive endeavours.”

He continues, “Competing in triathlons has taught me that one should never give up, whether in sport or your work life. When things get tough and tiring, you have to keep going. But it’s not just about perseverance; it’s also about strategy. Few races are consistently won by simply sprinting the entire distance. You need to plan, think things through and be consistent. Even in the toughest scenarios, where you’re pushing through a marathon after hours of racing, you must pace yourself and manage your effort. 

“This approach is equally important in work and our careers. The construction industry in Cape Town and South Africa is unique and demanding, and you need to be in it for the long haul. Dedication and strategic planning are crucial; you can’t just dive in without a thoughtful approach, sharp strategy and careful planning,” he adds.

Saharin’s journey is confirmation that with the right approach, the near-impossible becomes possible. He is characterised by a positive mindset, gratitude for his job and an indefatigable passion for sport and the sporting challenge. 

“Our health is one of the greatest privileges we have, and gratitude plays a huge role. It is incredible to be healthy and to be able to compete at this level,” he concludes.