In this opening episode, Rob introduces the vision behind The Unlikely Triathletes — a podcast celebrating ordinary people who achieve extraordinary things. He shares his life journey: growing up in tough conditions in Durban, navigating Afrikaans boarding schools, enduring brutal military training, and eventually finding his way into commercial saturation diving, one of the most dangerous jobs on earth. Rob opens up about the pressures, challenges, and defining moments that strengthened his mindset and ultimately led him to endurance sport. He describes how triathlon became the anchor that pulled him toward coaching and why he now dedicates his life to helping people who don’t think they belong in this world — the CEOs, parents, doubters, late starters, and everyday humans who have far more inside them than they realize. This episode is raw, motivating, and full of hard-won wisdom. It sets the tone for a podcast that isn’t just about sport — it’s about overcoming, believing, and discovering the version of yourself you never thought possible. Key Takeaways Rob’s path from bullied schoolboy to military endurance soldier to saturation diver shows that greatness often comes from adversity. The struggles Rob faced — from harsh schooling to dangerous offshore operations — forged the resilience he now teaches his athletes. Triathlon didn’t just challenge Rob physically; it offered clarity, purpose, and a path out of an old life that no longer fulfilled him. Rob emphasizes that he’s not special — he’s “Joe average” who learned to push through fear and limitation. And that means so can you. Rob’s life experience allows him to guide CEOs, busy professionals, and self-doubters across the finish line — physically and mentally. Rob believes that helping one person builds a chain reaction of positive change — and this podcast aims to spark that movement. Social Links https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576327959322 http://instagram.com/rob_hardstone https://www.tiktok.com/@rob.hardston Host Bio Rob Hardstone, is a battle-tested IronmanU-certified triathlon coach with a knack for inspiring the everyday athlete. A former Crew Commander in the South African Defence Force’s 1 Special Services Battalion, Rob honed resilience during the Border Wars in an unsettled, apartheid South Africa. His daring career as a commercial saturation diver took him worldwide, facing life-threatening challenges with grit and luck. Despite his slight build, Rob’s passion for endurance sports drove him to conquer 11 ultra-distance triathlons, including 5 full Ironmans, 6 70.3s, numerous sprints, ultra swims, and 80km runs. Self-coached through trial and error, he now guides “unlikely” athletes to surpass their doubts. Rob’s humorous, brutally honest storytelling—woven with global adventures and hard-won lessons—sets him apart. Listeners will find unmatched credibility and inspiration from his journey, connecting with guests from all walks who’ve triumphed against the odds.