Hilma Nalupe
Triathlon is one of the world’s toughest sports, blending swimming, cycling and running into a single event that demands endurance, resilience and strategy. It requires athletes to master three disciplines and the quick transitions between them. For Nathan Chase, this challenge is more than a sport, it’s a way of life.
At 16-years-old, Chase is quickly establishing himself as one of Namibia’s brightest young endurance athletes. His journey from family fun races to international podiums has been marked by discipline, resilience and an unwavering love for the sport.
Chase was born in Johannesburg and moved to Windhoek at the age of four. Growing up, his family did triathlons as a tradition and by six, he was already taking part in local events and exceling. A breakthrough came in 2022 at the Cape Town Triathlon, where the then 14-year-old surprised the field with a third-place finish in the U/19 category. That was when, triathlon became more than just a hobby. It became a lifestyle.
Since then, Chase has continued to push his limits, with highlights including a bronze medal at last year’s XTERRA Youth World Championships and a silver in the Youth B Men (16–17) category at the 2025 edition in Molveno, Italy.
His preparation for Italy was intense. Hours of climbing at Windhoek’s IJG Trails and rides up to Regenstein’s mast helped him adapt for the demanding Dolomite course. The bike is his strongest discipline, while the run remains his toughest. Wet, muddy conditions in Italy added another layer of challenge, but Chase’s focus and determination carried him through.
For him, XTERRA represents more than competition. “XTERRA is an event that is just about having fun while giving my best. It is so different to regular triathlons with how technical the cycle and run are, so it’s really an opportunity to explore nature and have fun.”
The road has had its challenges, from learning the hard way about pacing at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games to facing the mental battles that come with elite competition, but each experience has shaped him. “Without discipline, very little can be accomplished. You will fail many times before you succeed, so you need to be prepared to pick yourself up again and learn from the failures,” he said.
Balancing training with schoolwork is no small task, but with support from his parents and coaches, Chase has big ambitions. His sights are set on qualifying for the 2028 and 2032 Olympic Games, with the ultimate dream of fighting for a medal.
Chase has proven he can hold his own against some of the best young triathletes in the world, with his mix of natural talent and relentless work ethic. As he continues to balance school, training and competition, Namibia has every reason to be excited about his future in the sport.