Youngest Female Ironman 70.3 Finisher, Pawni Sapkal completed the Half-Ironman Triathlon in the Philippines on August 1, 2024, showcasing remarkable endurance and commitment. Guided by her father and coach, Praveen Sapkal, she overcame challenges, including an injury, to achieve this milestone. Her accolades also include winning multiple gold medals in long-distance running and CBSE- SGFI competitions, reflecting her dedication and hard work.

The Initiation

Pawni Sapkal is currently studying in twelfth grade at Bright Paragon Academy, Bhopal. She is a proud Half-Ironman finisher, achieving this remarkable feat under the guidance of her coach and father. Her journey began in April 2024, when she embarked on dedicated training for the Ironman challenge. Before this, she was already an avid participant in swimming, cycling, and running, which provided her with a strong foundation in these disciplines. Inspired by her passion and skills, she decided to take on the Ironman challenge. On August 1, 2024, Pawni successfully completed the Ironman 70.3 in the Philippines, marking a significant milestone in her athletic journey. Pawni's path into sports began with cycling, which soon sparked her interest in running. During her school years, she also started practicing swimming, further expanding her athletic pursuits. Over time, her passion for these sports grew, enhancing not only her skills but also her overall fitness and mental well-being. She finds immense joy and fulfillment in engaging in these activities, making them an integral part of her life.

Gurus & Role Models

Pawni Sapkal shares that her father and coach, Praveen Sapkal, a certified Ironman coach and an Ironman finisher himself, has played a pivotal role in her journey. He meticulously planned her training schedule around her daily routine, ensuring she could balance her academics and athletic pursuits. Her day typically began with early morning sessions, followed by school, and continued with evening training sessions. Her father managed every detail, making sure she didn’t miss out on either her education or her preparation. Pawni’s family provided unwavering support, helping her juggle the demands of her rigorous training and school commitments. Their collective effort was instrumental in her success. For Pawni, her father is not just a coach but also her greatest role model. Watching his achievements as an Ironman finisher inspired her to pursue the same path. His constant encouragement and motivation played a crucial role in her decision to take on the Ironman challenge, helping her believe in herself and seize this incredible opportunity.

The Talent

Pawni explains that the Ironman 70.3 is a triathlon comprising 1.9 km of swimming, 90 km of cycling, and 21.1 km of running, collectively known as a Half-Ironman. The full Ironman doubles these distances, making it a true test of endurance and perseverance. She emphasizes that this sport demands a high level of stamina and dedication. For Pawni, engaging in sports not only enhances her physical fitness and mental well-being but also instills discipline, which positively impacts other aspects of her life, including her studies.

Achievements

When she was in class ten, Pawni showcased her exceptional talent in long-distance running by participating in inter-district competitions for the 3 km and 1500 m races, where she won two gold medals. Over the years, she has also participated in numerous events, including 5 km and 10 km runs, consistently demonstrating her dedication and prowess. Adding to her accolades, Pawni earned two gold medals in CBSE- SGFI competitions, along with a gold medal in the relay and a silver medal in the 1500 m race at the state level. Her most significant accomplishment to date is holding the prestigious title of Youngest Female Ironman 70.3 Finisher, a testament to her determination and hard work.

A Bit More

Pawni shares that her father was the driving force behind her decision to pursue the Ironman challenge. Although she hadn’t practiced swimming for 2-3 years, she had never lost her touch with the sport. Recognizing her potential and passion, her father suggested that she take on the Ironman challenge. With his encouragement and guidance, Pawni decided to embrace this ambitious goal, combining her skills in swimming, cycling, and running to embark on the journey that led to her becoming an Ironman 70.3 finisher. She shares that she had complete confidence in her ability to complete the Ironman 70.3 challenge, thanks to her father, who also serves as her coach. Training under his guidance gave her the assurance to face the challenge without any fear of failure. Crossing the finish line was an incredibly proud moment not only for her but also for her father and family, marking the culmination of their collective efforts and determination. However, the journey wasn’t without obstacles. About five weeks before the Ironman event, Pawni faced a significant setback when she was attacked by monkeys during a cycling practice session, leading to an injury during a crucial training period. Despite losing several weeks to recovery, she refused to lose hope or back out of the competition. Her resilience and determination carried her through to the finish line. Pawni's father, Praveen Sapkal, runs a virtual platform called Super Athlete, where he trains aspiring athletes through weekly meetings. He also connects with a broader audience through his Instagram and Facebook handles under the names Praveen Sapkal and Super Athlete. Anyone interested in training or seeking guidance can easily reach out to him through these social media platforms. She advises young aspiring athletes to dream big and chase their goals with unwavering dedication. She emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities, staying committed, and believing in the power of hard work to achieve success.