Two years ago Joe Maloy waited tables and raced out of Philadelphia, now this New Jersey native is with the Paulo Sousa Triathlon Squad in Poway, California and just earned a podium spot at the Nautica South Beach Triathlon. He also had to make good on a promise he made going into that event.

Slowtwitch: We are glad to have this chat.

Joe Maloy: Thanks, Herbert. I’m honored to talk with you guys.

ST: We should first say congrats on the nice finish in South Beach.

Joe: It’s about time you got around to congratulating me! I’m kidding--thanks for the thought. I was definitely excited about that one.

ST: I guess a podium finish is always nice, but a bit sweeter when the field is tougher.

Joe: It’s special opportunity to compete with so many accomplished athletes. I’m always looking for opportunities to push myself, so I was glad to perform well in a strong field. Coach Paulo Sousa likes to say, "If you win a race and no one else is there, it’s kind of like that tree that falls in the forest when no one’s around." I’m not afraid to compete against the best in our sport.

ST: Did it all just click?

Joe: Saying it all 'just clicked' makes putting together a complete performance sound easy—it was a hard race! I executed well, but I can still improve.

Over the past few seasons I habitually made mental mistakes that limited my performances. Slowly I’m learning how to get out of my own way. I definitely did a better job of stringing together a complete race at South Beach--I didn't get any penalties, and my transitions have vastly improved. Still, no matter how much everything is clicking, those final miles are about being tough and racing with your heart.

ST: With Kemper right behind you, were you aware how far he was the whole time?

Joe: Hunter Kemper is a triathlon legend. I have a ton of respect for the way he competes—you can never count a guy like that out of a race. I knew where he was, but I was more focused on what I needed to do to finish strong.

ST: Who was first to congratulate you and who was first to remind you of that pre-race promise?

Joe: Haha! I had a feeling a certain pre-race promise might come up in this conversation.

My parents were both at the finish line, and they were the first people I looked for when I finished. I wouldn’t be here without their support and encouragement. My mom keeps me organized, and my dad is always reminding me to dream big—they’re a great team.

The distinction for being first to remind me of the video has to go to my brother, John. We actually call him “The Fast Maloy” because he whoops my butt when we swim together. He was following the race online, and when I finished he texted, “Now you’ve gotta do that rap song!! HAHA. You’re an idiot for saying that.”

ST: Looking back at this now, will you make other predictions and promises should you finish in a certain position?

Joe: The video thing definitely worked for me in South Beach. There was a point where I was hurting on the run when I thought to myself, “You’re in 3rd right now. Hang on and you can make a rap video!” It kept me motivated.

My idea to change the lyrics to Will Smith’s song actually came from something we used to do on the swim team at Boston College. I like keeping my family, friends, and sponsors involved with the excitement of my racing—they are my teammates. My promise to film a rap video if I had an outstanding race was my way of sharing that excitement. It’s important to keep things fun.

If I ever race in Korea I'll definitely do a remix to Gangnam Style. Until then, I'm going to just see where the creative juices decide to flow.

ST: Is singing a possible cool secondary career?

Joe: Come on, Herbert… Have you watched the video? Turn up the volume and you can probably answer that question for yourself.

ST: What is next for you?

Joe: I’m excited to compete at the WTS race in San Diego on April 20th. The WTS is the pinnacle of Olympic-distance triathlon, and to race for the USA on home soil will be a great honor.

ST: We are not asking for a place or time prediction, but what is the goal when you enter a race of that magnitude?

Joe: The goal going into a race like San Diego is to remain focused for every second of the race. Races at the highest level are won and lost in moments. As long as I remain focused on the details of my performance, I’m confident that I’ll make the US team proud.

ST: When we last talked you waited tables at a LeBus restaurant on the side. We assume that is no longer the case.

Joe: I was about as good at waiting tables as I am at rapping. Bob and Winnie Clowry, along with their staff, provided some great support while I was living in Philly and I can’t thank them enough. I loved my time training and working there, but I decided it was time for a change in December, 2011.

ST: Is that also when you switched coaches.

Joe: Coaches Jack Braconnier, Holden Comeau, and Brian Walton introduced me to triathlon. A big reason why I love the sport now is because of the way these guys coached. That being said, in December of 2011 I decided living and training in a Squad environment was best for my professional development. I joined Team Philly Pro Tri to keep my local connections, then I headed west to join Coach Sousa and the Squad.

The decision to move was actually a product of swimming at Germantown Academy under legendary coach, Richard Shoulberg. I raced USAT Nationals in Buffalo that September, and I came out of the water 2:00 behind the leaders. I ended up finishing 33rd, 9:00 behind first place. It was humbling, and the experience forced me to reevaluate everything.

I became determined to regain my swim fitness. After explaining my situation, Coach Shoulberg invited me to join his team every morning at 6:00am. The energy and excitement on the pool deck was contagious. I loved the way the guys and girls would race each other during sets then hop out of the pool and joke around.

The experience reminded me of the things I loved most about training and racing, and I decided I wanted this atmosphere for my triathlon career. I was thrilled when I found Coach Paulo Sousa and The Triathlon Squad.

ST: Who made the actual connection?

Joe: When I sent the email to Paulo telling him I wanted to join the Squad, he just told me where to be and when to be there. I think his reply was something along the lines of, “If you show up to our Las Cruces camp in two weeks, then you’ll have an opportunity to join the group.”

ST: As a New Jersey native are you somewhat attached to Salt Water Taffy, or are you more so a fan of a good Philly Cheese Steak?

Joe: I'm a Jersey Shore boy at heart, but I've gotta go with the Philly Cheese Steak--wit, and whiz (if you don't know what that means, you haven't lived). I'll have to wash it down with a cold one, as well.

ST: No strict diet?

Joe: Dr. Atkins would roll over in his grave if he knew how many carbs I put down.

ST: Is there anything else we should know?

Joe: Yes, but we can save it for my next interview.


Below is that video we mentioned earlier:



You can follow Joe Maloy on Twitter at @jerseyjoe3