Luca Brecel, the Belgian snooker sensation who gained fame after his stunning victory at the World Snooker Championship, is undergoing significant personal and professional transformations as he tackles challenges from within and beyond the table. Despite struggling with form following his crowning glory, Brecel is embracing a new chapter marked by rigorous physical training and dietary changes to prepare for his ambitious goal of completing an Ironman triathlon.
The 29-year-old, known as the 'Belgian Bullet,' electrified fans during his 2023 World Championship campaign at the Crucible Theatre. He impressively defeated snooker legends Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Williams, and Mark Selby to claim the prestigious title. Yet, since his victory, Brecel's performance has wavered. With only two quarter-final finishes to his name over the subsequent 18 months, Brecel finds his provisional ranking plummeting to 54th as the points from his world title victory are set to be removed.
Transitioning from the success of 2023 has not been easy. Brecel admitted, 'If I am not playing well, it is because I am not trying really hard to play well,' reflecting his relaxed attitude toward the game. He has taken unorthodox approaches to his training, including forgoing some snooker events to commit to Ironman training. His atypical routine involved commuting from his training camp on the Balearic Island of Mallorca to participate at the Northern Ireland Open, prompting skepticism from traditionalists within the sport.
Despite criticism from fellow professionals, including snooker veteran Stephen Hendry who expressed confusion over Brecel's priorities, the Belgian exudes confidence. Brecel responded to critics, stating, 'I do things the way I like to do it. For me it works.' His focus on Ironman training isn't just about snooker; it’s about his well-being. 'I really needed to focus on my body first. I need to feel good when I’m playing,' he asserted.
Brecel’s dedication to fitness has already yielded tangible results. Over the past six to seven months, he has successfully shed about 14 kilograms and aims to lose more, bringing his weight down from 87 kg to 75 kg. While the physical transformation continues, Luca highlights the psychological benefits too: 'Now I feel confident in my own skin,' he remarked. Such mindset shifts have not only improved his physical health but it seems to have rekindled his competitive spirit as well.
Hoping to compete at Ironman events by 2026, Brecel has found inspiration and guidance from accomplished triathletes, working closely with Frederik Van Lierde, the 2013 Ironman World Champion. The Belgian acknowledges the challenges and physical demands of the sport but is eager to tackle them head-on, saying, 'I love it. The longer it goes on, the more I enjoy it.' His commitment to training looks to make significant changes both for his personal health and for his snooker game.
Despite his ups and downs, Brecel remains optimistic about his return to success on the snooker circuit. 'I think once I start trying, I can get the results, and that's maybe the difference with other players. They try for six years and don’t get the results. If I try for six years and don’t get results, I just quit the game,' he said with resolute determination.
All eyes will be on Brecel as he takes on Chris Wakelin during the opening round of the Masters at Alexandra Palace on Wednesday evening. His preparation and new mindset will be put to the test as he aims to regain his footing among snooker's elite after his whirlwind year as champion. The time has come to see if the rigorous training and lifestyle changes can pivot his fortune back to the heights he reached at the Crucible.
With the physical transformation already underway, fans and pundits alike are eager to witness how Brecel balances his training regimen with his competitive spirit at this prestigious tournament. Will this new approach lead him back to the title, or will he struggle to find the balance between his aspirations as both a snooker player and aspiring Ironman?