In this episode

Thodoris Moraitis describes how “100 Metres” brought him to triathlon and living with multiple sclerosis without turning his illness into instructions for others.

The discussion centres on his experience: PTS5, training, travel, paratriathlon rules and targeting the 2028 Paralympics.

Detailed show notes

From a film to a first triathlon

He is 47. He began triathlon in 2021, with more structure over the past two years. The film “100 Metres”, about a Spanish athlete with multiple sclerosis, inspired him. His first triathlon was a sprint in Tyros/Leonidio, on a mountain bike and without a trisuit.

He says his diagnosis came in 2003. The discussion stays with his own experience and how he manages everyday life.

Living with multiple sclerosis

He explains, as he understands it, that it is an autoimmune condition of the central nervous system, not contagious or hereditary. In his case, it is not readily visible: he walks and trains, but experiences fatigue, balance difficulties and discomfort using aerobars.

His energy runs out by the afternoon. He does not nap and trains before 18:00. He began with interferon injections and flu-like reactions; he now takes a daily tablet that he says does not disrupt training. No medication is named. He calls mindset his “greatest medicine”, as a personal outlook rather than a treatment.

Paratriathlon and support

He races in PTS5 and says he is often alone in that category in Greece. He joined Panathinaikos’s disability-sport team and was the first to represent the club in paratriathlon. He remembers his first nationals with an extra bike lap and third place.

He discusses national-team selection through points and a world ranking of 22nd, which he repeats himself. He mainly funds travel personally and mentions an electrolyte sponsor. He closes by saying Jenny is his coach: the episode’s host, not a second guest.

Training, rules and goals

He previously worked in chocolate manufacturing; now he trains more professionally. He overtrained while working with three coaches simultaneously. He swims every weekday and also competes in para swimming.

He says drafting is prohibited in world-level paratriathlon. In Malaga, he was disqualified for leaving his helmet on the bike. His goal is Los Angeles 2028. Nearer events he mentions are Sounio, Egypt and a March race in Australia. He also wants a 70.3, but the events he checked were sold out.

Key takeaways

  • Multiple sclerosis is discussed through a personal account, not a clinical lesson.
  • In paratriathlon, classification, rules and self-funding matter alongside fitness.
  • Training adapts to daily energy; afternoon availability cannot be assumed.
  • The Paralympic goal coexists with smaller races and the need for support.