Nick Thompson's tough initiation as a professional triathlete has left him hungry rather than deflated.
The West Australian is among the favourites on Sunday at the Ironman 70.3 WA Asia-Pacific championship in coastal Busselton. He will then end his first full season as a pro triathlete next month at the 70.3 world titles in Taupo, New Zealand.
A year ago, the 24-year-old announced himself as a rising star by finishing third at the Ironman WA race, also at Busselton.
That also booked him a spot for his debut at the sport's most famous event, the Hawaiian Ironman world championships.
Thompson started this year with a win at the Ironman 70.3 in Hobart, but since then he's endured a succession of frustrating results at international Ironman-distance triathlons.
He was near the front of the field last month at Hawaii after the swim and bike, but his run let him down again and Thompson faded to 21st.
"It was brutal from step one," he said of his run in Hawaii.
But this year's challenges have only reaffirmed to Thompson he has the potential to be among the very best in triathlon.
"I'd really love to put together the race I know that I can - and that's a podium," Thompson said of his goal for Sunday's race.
"Surprisingly, I'm pretty good. I'm still pretty happy.
"There are signs that I take away. I know, with another full season under my belt, I can compete with the best in the world.
"That idea in my head has kept me pretty good, mentally."
He added racing for the first time at Hawaii was everything he thought it would be, and more.
"It's really made me want to go back and do better," he said.
Sunday's racing at Busselton will feature a combined field of 3400 for the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events.
The Ironman triathlon, celebrating its 20th year at Busselton, is a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km marathon run. The 70.3 format - 70.3 is the total number of miles involved- is half those distances.
The main focus at Busselton is usually on the full Ironman, but this year the 70.3 is the top drawcard because of its Asia-Pacific championships status, with the top competitors earning points towards the season-long Ironman Pro Series.
New Zealander Hannah Berry is among the women's favourites after winning the Ironman Asia-Pacific title in June at Cairns.
