Thank You

[Mark L]

Bella - can't find any other way to contact you, but wanted to say thank you. I passed you going the other way on the run at IM Austria when you were limping back and you gave me a cheer - I suspect that you probably don't even remember doing it - but I spent a good few minutes thinking what a kind and professional thing that was to do when things obviously hadn't gone well for you. It is the little things that keep you going when it's getting hard. You are a great ambassador for triathlon and I will be cheering you on for a kickass rest of the season!

Mark Livingston

[BellaBayliss]

Hi Mark

ThankYou for your kind words to me!
I hope your race at Austria went well for you. 

I have experienced so much amazing support over the years at races, ..so during my bad race, I felt it was a good time for me to encourage some others!

I was of course disapointed with my race, ..I have learnt that I have made some mistakes this year with my preparations, but soon I'll be back strong again!

All the best to you and thankyou for your message,
Bella

[cervelo-van]

Bella, as you well know, the only people who never have a bad race are those that never race!. I was shocked to read that someone would punch you in the face for getting tangled in the swim. I believe in competing hard, and you certainly do, but violence against a competitor? Besides the fact, that this guy is not even really competing with you. I come from the distance running world, where it seemed to me that competitors respected one another. Triathlon seems to draw more aggressive Type A personalities and not always in a good way.

Like Doc says, people support you because you are a warrior who fights hard but fair, win or not.