Break of day unfolds smoothly
On a bright and serene day, journalist Jirka Grahl found himself standing alone before a tranquil gravel pit, preparing for a new challenge. The editor, known for his adventurous spirit, was about to participate in the upcoming Fehmarn Triathlon on September 14.
As he spread his towel next to the old folks who lounged lazily on inflatable loungers, an old man with yellow sunglasses approached. The man enquired about the swim, perhaps sensing the anticipation in the air.
Dressed in a new neoprene wetsuit named "Orca Athlex Flow", Grahl was ready to conquer the swim portion of the triathlon. However, he had left his compass goggles at home, a decision that would later prove to be a minor inconvenience.
The swim, spanning 2327 meters, took Grahl 58 minutes and 55 seconds to complete. While this time was far from his personal best, he attributed the slowness to the beautiful day, which may have caused the old folks to daydream during the swim.
As Grahl struggled to zip up his wetsuit, the old man with yellow sunglasses offered a helping hand. In return, the man captured a photograph of Grahl, a memento that he jokingly suggested would prove Grahl was at the lake and not with his girlfriend.
The old man with yellow sunglasses, however, was not editor Jirka Grahl. But his wisdom and kindness were invaluable, offering Grahl encouragement as he embarked on his new challenge.
In ten days, Grahl would step out of a car in Schildow, ready to face the next stages of the Fehmarn Triathlon. Despite the initial challenges, his spirit remained undeterred, ready to push through and conquer the obstacles ahead.
