Triathlete Pilunnguaq Benjaminsen: Defying Odds in Odense
Sipping coffee on a sunlit afternoon in Odense, Pilunnguaq Benjaminsen—affectionately known as Pilu—grins as she reflects, “It’s nice my baptismal certificate says I’m 38, but I feel about 25.”
This vivacious woman recently competed in the Odense Triathlon, where participants wade through 950 meters of swimming, pedal 48 kilometers, and run 10 kilometers—a test that embodies the spirit of endurance sports.
For Pilunnguaq, the ultimate challenge lies in her aspiration to participate in an Ironman event next year, which demands a staggering 3.8 kilometers of swimming, 180 kilometers of cycling, and a full marathon at the finish. Her ambition is testament to her dedication to a sport that continually pushes boundaries.
An Inspiring Journey
Originating from the coastal town of Qaqortoq, Pilunnguaq has always been an athlete. Growing up, she engaged in sports like badminton and handball, even spending time abroad as an au pair in New Zealand and participating in an AFS exchange program in Brazil, where she picked up conversational Portuguese. With qualifications as a dental hygienist from the Aarhus School of Dentistry and a bachelor’s in business economics from the University of Nuuk, her life has been a tapestry of diverse experiences.
Yet, her path hasn’t been without setbacks. Two significant knee injuries thwarted what seemed to be a promising handball career, once prompting a doctor to suggest she might never run again. However, Pilunnguaq turned adversity into triumph, ultimately finding fulfillment in triathlon—cherishing her time as a top scorer in a Greenland handball championship as a cherished memory.
Training Through Trials
“I’ve spent countless hours mastering my swim technique,” she shares, recalling her early morning training sessions in Nuuk, where she would hit the pool three times a week. “Learning to crawl was particularly challenging for me.” These days, she balances her training routines between outdoor rides during the summer and shuttling to the gym during the winter months.
Though Pilunnguaq isn’t affiliated with any specific club due to her work schedule, she still proudly represents Triathlon Greenland in competitions. “I always emphasize my Greenlandic roots. For instance, I wear the Greenlandic flag on my suit,” she says, hoping to project a positive image of her homeland to the world.
However, the financial burden of the sport looms large. “An excellent racing bike with gear can exceed DKK 50,000. Finding a sponsor would be a tremendous help,” she admits, expressing her aspiration to one day represent Greenland in the Island Games.
Race Day Excitement
On Saturday morning, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation at the Odense Triathlon, where a cheerful Pilunnguaq stepped into the water of Odense Friluftsbad, ready to take on the 950-meter swim. After conquering the water, she swiftly donned her wetsuit and cycling shoes, launching into a 48-kilometer ride—a discipline she declares as her favorite.
The race concluded with a 10-kilometer run, winding through the forest paths surrounding the swimming pool. When she crossed the finish line in under three hours—her target for the day—her joy was palpable, matched only by the cheers of the enthusiastic spectators.
Facing the Unexpected
Interestingly, just before the race, an unexpected scare emerged: a bee sting on her hand. Despite the surprise, Pilunnguaq wasn’t deterred, making her way to the starting line just in time.
With a medal draped around her neck post-race, she shared, “During the cycling leg, I felt like I was in the Tour de France. There was a moment when I found myself behind a police motorcycle, and the excitement was unreal.”
For Pilunnguaq Benjaminsen, every race is more than just a competition—it’s a journey filled with resilience, hope, and an unwavering spirit that not only honors her past but also brightens the path for the future.