On April 30, 2023, Marcelino Masri stood at the starting line of his very first triathlon, or at least part of one. It was a relay sprint triathlon, and while his teammate took care of the swim, Marcelino was responsible for the running and cycling legs. The race was intense. Every pedal stroke burned, every stride tested his endurance. But when he crossed the finish line, he wasn’t just exhausted, he was transformed.
That moment marked the start of something much bigger than a single event. Marcelino had discovered a sport that wasn’t just about physical effort, it was about pushing boundaries, mastering discipline, and becoming a better version of yourself.
“I instantly fell in love with the sport,” Marcelino recalls. “Not just for the challenge, but for the way it changes you.”
Inspired by Champions
The turning point came just weeks later. Marcelino was at an aquathlon race, not to compete, but to cheer on a friend. That’s when he first noticed Lindzi and Ali, two athletes dominating the event with sheer power and grace.
Their performance lit a spark. He didn’t just admire their speed, he admired the way they carried themselves, the confidence in every move. Right there, he decided he wanted to learn from the best.
After the race, he approached Lindzi, who happened to be the owner of Profit Academy, a Lebanese multisport academy dedicated to training elite triathletes. Their first meeting left a lasting impression.
Profit Academy wasn’t just about giving workouts, it used advanced technology to track every aspect of an athlete’s progress including training intensity, sleep patterns, recovery status, and more. The round-the-clock follow-up support made Marcelino feel like he had a team behind him every step of the way.
Building a Winning Track Record
Once under professional guidance, Marcelino’s results began to accelerate. His hard work, combined with smart training strategies, paid off in a string of podium finishes — all achieved in his age category:
2025 Duathlon — 2nd Place
2024 Lebanese Duathlon Championship — 1st Place
2024 Double Duathlon — 2nd Place
2024 Olympic Duathlon — 2nd Place
2025 Aquathlon — 3rd Place
For Marcelino, these weren’t just medals, they were proof of growth, discipline, and commitment. Each podium step represented countless hours of early-morning runs, grueling bike rides, and recovery sessions that tested his patience as much as his strength.
“Every race has been a lesson,” he says. “The victories are amazing, but even the tough days make me better.”
Struggles Behind the Scenes
Success, however, hasn’t come without challenges. The biggest were finances and recovery time.
Lebanon’s sporting infrastructure doesn’t always provide the resources aspiring athletes need. Without steady sponsorships or institutional backing, Marcelino had to fund much of his training himself while balancing work and athletic commitments.
Recovery was another hurdle. In endurance sports, rest is as important as training. But with a busy schedule, getting enough quality recovery time wasn’t always easy. Marcelino had to become strategic, learning how to optimize sleep, nutrition, and stress management to stay in peak condition.
Eyes on the Future
Today, Marcelino’s focus is sharper than ever. His training revolves around three key pillars: structured workouts, recovery, and nutrition. Each aspect is tracked, analyzed, and adjusted to keep him on an upward trajectory.
His ultimate ambition is to represent Lebanon at the highest international levels. A major goal in the near future is to complete a full Ironman race outside of Lebanon, a challenge that demands months of preparation and the ability to endure over eight hours of continuous effort.
“I want to show that athletes from Lebanon can compete with the best,” Marcelino says. “It’s not just about me, it’s about representing my country.”
Lessons from the Racecourse
If endurance sports have taught Marcelino one thing, it’s that perseverance beats perfection. In a world that craves instant results, he has learned to trust the slow, steady process of improvement.
Some training days feel great, others are a struggle. Progress can be invisible for weeks. But over time, the small gains add up. This principle has shaped not only his athletic career but also his approach to life.
“Long-term success comes from consistency,” he reflects. “You keep going, even when it’s hard, because that’s when you grow.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Marcelino’s vision extends beyond personal goals. He wants his journey to motivate others, especially young Lebanese athletes facing the same challenges he did.
He hopes to be remembered as someone who demonstrated resilience and determination, even in a system with limited resources. Through his social media presence, race appearances, and community involvement, he shares not just his victories, but also the hard days, to show that persistence is worth it.
Advice to His Younger Self
If Marcelino could give one piece of advice to his younger self, it would be simple but powerful:
“Believe in the process. Don’t rush. Learn from every mistake. Stay true to your passion, and success will follow.”
It’s a mantra he now lives by, whether he’s in the middle of a race or navigating the challenges of life outside sport.
Why His Story Resonates
Marcelino’s journey resonates because it’s not just about athletic success, it’s about human determination. It’s the story of someone who started as a spectator, took a leap into competition, found the right mentors, faced real struggles, and kept moving forward.
In the world of triathlon, the difference between finishing strong and not finishing at all often comes down to mental strength. Marcelino embodies that spirit, showing that with the right mindset, even the steepest challenges can be overcome.
The Road Ahead
As 2025 unfolds, Marcelino is preparing for a season filled with opportunities to push his limits further. From local duathlons to international races, every event is a step toward his Ironman dream.
But perhaps more importantly, every mile, every training session, and every podium moment adds to a bigger mission, to inspire others to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
Because for Marcelino Masri, triathlon isn’t just a sport, it’s a way of life, a constant reminder that hard work, resilience, and belief in the process can turn even the boldest dreams into reality.
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