HAVERFORD, Pa. – Former Haverford College men's and women's assistant fencing coach Max Fennell was recently voted as the winner of the USA Triathlon #TriWeek Tournament. Fennell made headlines and broke down barriers in the triathlon community when he became the first Black professional triathlete in history.
The #TriWeek Triathlon Tournament began with the top 40 moments in United States Triathlon history. After six rounds of voting, Fennell's iconic breakthrough in the sport garnered 70 percent of the vote in the championship matchup.
Fennell worked with the Haverford fencing programs as recently as the 2014-15 season. The former assistant had a deep impact on the program throughout his tenure, but was especially noted for his "fantastic mental strength, as well as being an elite athlete," according to head coach Chris Spencer.
After being voted the #TriWeek Triathlon Tournament Champion, Fennell was interviewed by USA Triathlon about his experience in the sport.
What was your reaction when you first saw the bracket and realized your journey was considered a top 40 triathlon moment in U.S. history?
My reaction when I first saw the bracket was a strong sense of honor and appreciation. I was profoundly grateful for USA Triathlon's recognition of the achievement and what it signifies.
Before the tournament started, how far did you think you'd be able to go on the bracket? Did you ever imagine that you'd win the whole thing?
Before the tournament started, I actually felt like I would do pretty well, but I was OK with making it to the second round and calling it a day. I believed I could win the whole thing because my journey is comprised of hundreds of moments where people in my community helped me to reach my goal.
On your run, you beat some of the most iconic triathlon moments of all time. That includes the first U.S. Olympic triathlon medal with Susan Williams, Julie Moss' 1982 IRONMAN Crawl, the Iron War between Mark Allen and Dave Scott and Gwen Jorgensen's Olympic gold medal. How surprised were you to see each victory? And what does it mean to you that our community voted for you over those moments?
Those moments are some of the most iconic moments in triathlon history that I have drawn much inspiration from. I think after each victory, I more so felt a sense of thanks and appreciation that people believe this moment in history is seen among these other iconic moments. I actually have found it very healing that our community has voted for me because currently, society tells persons of color daily that we don't matter. And the fact that our community voted for me tells you that we do matter. It is a lot for me to reflect on, but I feel it in my heart.
What was your first reaction when you saw you had won the tournament? And what messages have you seen from others in the community after your victory?
I am an athlete so obviously, whenever we win there is that little yell of celebration and then I texted the photo to my close family and friends. My phone has been non-stop ringing and vibrating since the victory because so many get to celebrate the victory with me. I really see it as a victory for us all because my story is rooted in what triathlon was built around, community members helping other community members reach their goals of crossing that finish line.
How did you and others help spread the word to encourage the community to vote?
Every time USA triathlon posted (the voting), I would repost in my story and on Facebook. I saw folks sharing the post in triathlon groups and their personal networks.
Representation matters. And your journey to become the first Black pro triathlete has inspired a lot of people. What does it mean to you to see the way the triathlon community has embraced you? And what does it mean for the next generation of athletes in our sport?
What this means to me is that our community is saying that we want to see diversity immediately reflected in the industry. That more resources should be directed in a manner that truly foster an environment of diversity and inclusion. I think what this tells the next generation of athletes is that their dream is possible but it's just going to require a lot of hard work. I think if the industry really wants to get this right, they would be making immediate efforts to identify minority young talent and commit to their journey for the next five years.
How have you seen your story have a positive impact on other people?
My story resonates with so many people because the trials and tribulations I have gone through in the pursuit of my dream are relatable. My journey serves as a direct message to anyone who has a dream and is not sure if they should stay on the path or not. I think the pursuit of our dreams is designed this way, but certain people are placed on the path to keep you moving forward. That is why you never give up!
What's it going to take to improve diversity in the sport?
Truthfully, I would say the industry has missed the mark. I think the first step is listening to how it has missed the mark and then immediately addressing those issues with concrete steps and actions. I think we need to bring all of the diversity groups together to form a common coalition with the aim of direct communication with industry heads to keep the conversation going and understanding of what true diversity and inclusion looks like.
What advice would you give to young black athletes who don't know much about triathlon but are interested in learning more?
Reach out to someone who is involved with the sport and ask as many questions as possible. Triathletes love talking about everything triathlon and having someone give you that advice can really help you navigate the sport and figure out how to get started. I would also say do not believe the stereotypes and swim, swim, swim! Join a youth swim team or join a Masters group but start swimming with any group and swim as much as possible!