KAILUA-KONA — From the beginning of June, Kona’s legendary multisport fanatic and Frozen Peas Production event organizer, Sean “Peaman” Pagett, went on a mission to see where he stacks up against the best age-group athletes in the United States.
Peaman traveled to Omaha, Nebraska for the USA Triathlon Multisport National Championships to race in the men’s 60-64 age group from June 5 through June 9. Just to compete among the nation’s best in the sport of triathlon would be bragging rights in itself. But Peaman did more than just compete — he raced six times in five days and secured his spot for the 2025 World Championships in Spain and Australia!
Peaman competed in the Open Water 4.666-mile Swim on June 5 and placed 2nd in his age group, 9th overall, the Super Sprint Duathlon (run-bike-run) and placed 7th in his age group, the Super Sprint Triathlon (7th), Aquathlon (swim-run) and placed 6th, Draft Legal Sprint Triathlon (3rd), and the Super Sprint Triathlon Individual Medley (2nd).
“I’m super psyched with all of my performances,” Peaman said. “My Aquathlon swim and run qualified me for the 2025 World Championships in Pontevedra, Spain, and my draft legal sprint triathlon qualified me for 2025 World Championships in Wollongong, Australia. I have already qualified for the 2024 World Championships for Sprint and Olympic Distance Triathlon in Torremolinos, Spain.
“Next, I was able to go to Montreal then Quebec to race in the 5150 Mont-Tremblant Olympic Distance Triathlon in Canada on June 22 and placed fifth in my age group on a tough and hilly course. Probably my favorite Olympic Distance course ever!”
What’s even more impressive is that June marked 11 years since the Kailua-Kona resident weighed just 80 pounds on his six-foot frame. His comeback from numerous health conditions endured for most of his adult life only reflects his determination to live a healthy and active lifestyle.
Peaman feels grateful to now be strong and healthy enough to compete at the highest level. His journey from severe health issues to becoming a top competitor in his age group is nothing short of inspiring.
“To be able to do these races, I am massively grateful,” Peaman said. “Even though I’m living this experience, I still find it to be a miracle to have come back from where I was to where I am now!”
Peaman is famously known for organizing his monthly biathlon events that are free to the Big Island community and open to all fitness levels. The monthly swim-runs have been a staple at Kaiakeakua Beach for the last 36 years and are known for their unique blend of swimming and running while embracing family, friendships and the spirit of aloha. Peaman somehow still managed to organize the monthly June biathlon, which is held on the last Sunday of the month, on the day after he returned from his month-long trip.
In addition to his community contributions, many remember that Peaman is also a four-time Hawaii Ironman World Championship finisher. This achievement alone places him among the elite in the world of endurance sports. The Hawaii Ironman World Championships is one of the most grueling one-day sporting events in the world and finishing it four times speaks volumes about Peaman’s physical and mental fortitude. His experience and success in Ironman competitions have undoubtedly contributed to his continued grit in other multisport events.
Peaman has much to look forward to as he gears up for the 2024 World Championships Draft Legal Sprint Triathlon in Torremolinos, Spain on October 17-20. The Draft Legal Sprint Triathlon is a fast-paced and highly competitive event, and his qualification further cements his status as a top-tier athlete in the triathlon community.
“I feel super excited to still have the opportunity to race at the highest level especially since this was the National Championships with all the best in the United States. Being able to qualify for the 2024 and 2025 World Championships in Spain and Australia is so surreal — I still can’t believe it!”