Balanced perspective

Tommy Knapp started at a place where most competitors would aspire to be: gaining notoriety world-wide.

Not once, but twice.

Now, Knapp has taken it down a notch, attaining national recognition.

On July 22, competing in surprisingly pleasant weather in the dead of summer in New York, the Laguna Beach resident reached another milestone by winning his division at the Physically Challenged Triathlon National Championships.

It was the first national title for the 43-year-old, whose résumé has grown to be impressive: since competing in his first triathlon, the Pacific Coast Triathlon at Crystal Cove in 2001, Knapp now possesses three major event victories.

Prior to his win in New York, Knapp won consecutive one-handed world championships in triathlon events in Portugal (2004) and Honolulu (2005).

“This was my third year competing in New York and to take over 14 minutes off of my previous year’s results was an awesome feeling,” said Knapp who was born with a congenital birth defect — no left hand and a missing limb below the elbow. “My coach, Sue Davis, had me in the best shape of my triathlon career and really had me peaking at the right time.”

The Physically Challenged Triathlon National Championships in New York had competitors traverse the scenic Hudson River, West Side highway and Central Park. Knapp turned in an overall time of 2:18.53 after completing a 1.5k swim, 40k bike and 10k run.

Not only did he win his division (ages 40-44, below the elbow amputees), but he also placed third overall among competitors in all divisions.

A year ago, in sweltering heat Knapp said temperatures were in the mid-90s and that he didn’t “thrive” in the high humidity — he finished second in his division.

This year, contest temperatures were in the springtime-like 70s which, he said, was a “welcomed surprise.”

“I have been coaching and training with him for the last three years and what makes Tommy a successful athlete is his willingness to challenge himself to improve,” said Davis, who has known Knapp since high school. “He doesn’t shy away from doing the tough workouts that will get him to the next level. Even if that means a 6 a.m. hard run workout on the track. Or, a 7 a.m. Sunday morning, hour-and-a-half long run in the hills before meeting his family at church.

“To be competitive in an endurance sport, like triathlon, takes years of consistent training. Tommy has made that commitment and now is seeing the results of his efforts. Most importantly, Tommy has a balanced perspective on the importance of family, friends, community and his athletic goals.”

It was a return trip home from church services one Sunday, Knapp said, when noticed a triathlon taking place. The sight of that event stirred him.

“I was coming home from church and saw the Pacific Coast Triathlon taking place at Crystal Cove,” he recalled. “I was out of shape and not working out consistently and I knew that this was the challenge I needed to get on the right track. With my childhood friend Doug Wetton, we agreed to get in shape and signed up for the race the following year.”

Since he began training, Knapp has shaved “some 50 pounds” from his 5-foot-10 frame and now competes at 175-pounds.

He said he and Davis train together three-to-four times per week around Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, running at El Morro and Reef Point and cycling Laguna Canyon.

“Sue has really focused me on quality training versus quantity,” he said. “She also helps set the right mental focus, nutritional importance and transitions in the event.”

Knapp, who grew up in Newport Beach and has lived in Laguna Beach since 1994, won his national title before several family members that included his wife, Beth, who was his high school sweetheart, and his three children: JP, Wilson and Samantha.

“I am blessed to have so much family support,” Knapp said. “From my parents who always encouraged me and taught me that nothing was impossible, to my wife, Beth, and our three great children. Everyone was in New York for the national championships and with their support, I was going to be a winner regardless of the outcome.

“Having a coach, friend and training partner like Sue has made all of the difference in my triathlon experience. Sue has taken me from an average performer to a champion.”

Knapp will return to his competition roots on Sept. 9 when he will again take on the challenge of the Pacific Coast Triathlon at Crystal Cove.

Later, he’ll vie for world title No. 3 when he competes at the Triathlon World Championships in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada in May 2008.