In August age grouper Wim Van De Wielle lost his wife Kristel in a terrible hit and run accident and his life was turned upside down. A few months later Van De Wielle won his age group at Ford Ironman Florida and finished 13th overall. But nothing will ever be the same.

Slowtwitch: Wim, thank you for taking time to talk to us. Share with us what you are currently up to.

Wim: At this moment I’m working as a fitness instructor and triathlon coach.

ST: We briefly talked to you after Ironman Florida where you seemingly did quite well. Did the race work out for you as you had expected?

Wim: I most certainly have achieved my sportive goals in Florida: I was 13th overall, I won my age group M30-34, ran a marathon sub three hours and I obtained my ticket for Hawaii 2010.

ST: At the end of that race you crossed the finish line clutching the picture of your wife Kristel who you had lost to a tragic incident with a drunk driver during the summer.

Wim: It was very important to me to have her picture with me during the race because she meant the world to me. She always supported me 100% and I know she would have been proud of my achievements. It’s unnecessary to say that every time I will be competing in a race, it’ll be for her. Her love gives me strength.

Normally we would have come to Florida together. Kristel accompanied me to every Ironman and my annual trainings week abroad. (She only missed Hawaii 2008 because she was already 7 months pregnant). Things will never be the same.

August 12, started off well. We woke up together and decided to stay in bed a little longer to have some quality time with our little daughter Tess. In the afternoon I accompanied my brother (who was training for his first full distance triathlon) for his swim training and then went to the gym, where I work as a fitness instructor. Kristel had to do a night shift at the hospital, where she worked as a nurse. As usual she took off early with her bicycle, wearing a fluorescent vest. Safety was very important to her.

Kristel was hit from behind by a car and was instantly dead. The driver was speeding. In a few seconds life has changed dramatically. As I called her at 10 pm to wish her goodnight and to say how much I loved her, I only reached her answering machine. Then, I knew something was wrong…

ST: The death of your wife caused a lot of uproar in Belgium and a lot of signatures were collected to to make that specific road safer. Can you tell us more?

Wim: The N47 is a very dangerous road (especially for cyclists). It wasn’t the first fatal accident. Kristel was aware of the dangerous situation and she tried to convince the local government to do something about it. One day she went to work with shears in her bag to remove some branches because they were blocking the cycle path. She made a difference! After her death, her colleagues drew up a petition because safety must come first now. They have done a great job, a safer alternative will be realized.

ST: The penalty for the drunk driver was the most severe in Belgium to date, but was it enough in your mind?

Wim: The most important goal of a punishment is to create awareness. 7 years can be a just, righteous punishment but only when the offender regrets what he has done. For me, it’s important that the he acknowledges that his behavior was irresponsible.

It is useless being rancorous: Kristel is gone forever. We have to continue without her.
I honestly hope that people realize what alcohol can do to innocent people.

ST: We sometimes forget about the loved ones around us because we are so obsessed with training and racing, but you mentioned before that you want people to think about this topic more.

Wim: After the accident I advised my friends and athletes to enjoy each other and to enjoy life. “Tell your loved ones how precious they are to you and be grateful for what you have.”
Sooner or later, everybody will be confronted with a loss. I comfort myself with the love, support and warmth I received from her. We had a great time together.

ST: Along those lines, how is your daughter doing?

Wim: Our little Tess is doing extremely well. Watching her discovering life is breathtakingly beautiful.

ST: How are you handling being a single parent with your job, training and racing?

Wim: It isn’t easy. My life is turned upside down and every day is a new challenge. My family and friends have been a great support to me. They made it possible to continue my training sessions and they keep me motivated to go on. I am so grateful for all their help.
In February I will quit working as a fitness instructor and will be starting a new career as a fire fighter, but I keep on coaching athletes at 3coach.be

As a coach, it ’s important to support and advise my athletes. If one of my athletes would be confronted with my situation I would encourage him to go on. My motto: “walk your talk” sets an example. Nevertheless, after Florida I stopped training for a while. I needed a break, both mentally and physically. Now, I try to restart training. Every problem has its solution and in March my first triathlon is scheduled.

ST: What exactly is on your schedule for 2010?

Wim: Hawaii 2010 is beyond any doubt the main goal. In 2008, I finished as 68th and 7th in my age Group. I know I can do better. Top-3 is the ultimate dream. Mario Appermans, a team member of my team “Inxites-Planet X” organizes the second edition of Limburg226, a full distance triathlon in Belgium. There, I hope to fight for victory.

ST: Is there anything else we should know about you?

Wim: I’m extremely motivated when I have set my goals. TOP3 age group Hawaii 2010 (watch me ☺)