Smith wakes up, the early morning sky still dark as she leaves for Zuma Beach. With the light of day comes the race. Smith has practiced and prepared day and night for this event, and the sun rising marks the start of an unforgettable day. Competitors line up wearing wetsuits, gearing up for the swimming leg of the triathlon. Triathlete and Fresno Christian student, Lacy Smith, ‘28, prepares to put her skills honed over the past four years to the final test. She clears her mind and waits for the start. The gun fires, and the athletes take off.
The Zuma Distance is a triathlon hosted in Zuma Beach, Malibu, California. The three-legged race consists of a half mile swim, a 16-mile bike and a four-mile run.
Smith started racing for iCAN Triathlon Club in the Central Valley in 2022. iCAN Triathlon Club was founded in 2005 by Todd Waldner, a triathlete for 44 years and a U.S. triathlon coach for 26 years. He acts as the director and head coach of the club.
“The ‘I CAN’ mindset involves believing the true meaning of ‘I CAN’ and coupling that with our team cornerstones of confidence, patience and determination,” Waldner said.
ICAN emphasizes a foundation in faith, centering themselves around the Bible verse Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
“My coach has helped me build so much confidence in and out of my sport,” Smith said. “Whether it’s a hard workout or mastering a new skill, my coach is always patient and encouraging, which is really helpful.”
A lot of thoughts run through Smith’s mind as she prepares for a race, but she clears the storm, slipping into the calm of the eye of the hurricane. She guns for first place for girls, and only time and talent will tell.
The beach is still dark, and the breeze travels across the shore. As she slips her wetsuit on, Smith readies herself for the daunting half-mile swim ahead of her.
She rushes into the water, waves sloshing around her. The swimming leg of the race speeds by. Soon, Smith is back on dry land, stripping off her wetsuit and sprinting towards her bike.
Smith jets past the other triathletes, speeding down the road. She peddles with quick methodical movements, cool breeze rushing around Smith as she cuts through it. When the biking section comes to an end, she abandons her bike and takes off on foot for the final four-mile run.
She runs like her life depends on it, not allowing the exhaustion to get the best of her. Smith pushes through, remaining calmly composed as she lets the muscle memory of her legs take over and carry her towards victory. In the distance, she spots the finish line. She summons all the energy left in her and sprints towards the end. Smith crosses the finish line, completing the race with a time of 1.33.25, placing first overall for females.
Placing first for females is no small feat, and Smith recognizes this accomplishment.
“It felt amazing to get first female overall,” Smith said. “It’s really encouraging to see all my hard work pay off.”
After winning the Zuma Triathlon, Smith goes back to her normal routine. Wake up, school, practice, homework, sleep, repeat. While it may feel like her progress has reverted back to zero, these accomplishments don’t come without Smith’s hard work, dedication and commitment to triathlon. With practices every day of the week, except Sunday, Smith never has a free moment. Her schedule is packed, each day filled with one or more training sessions.
Smith’s mother, Jen Smith, admires the journey her daughter has been on throughout her triathlon career.
“The sport of triathlon has given Lacy so much confidence in who she is and shown her how strong she really is…” Smith said. “She has trusted the long training season would yield results, and most of all she has learned to trust herself and have faith in the process,” Jen Smith said.
At first, Lacy Smith was unsure about triathlon; she was “quiet and timid,” according to Waldner. But she has also gone through many changes throughout her triathlon career.
“Lacy has become very confident, patient and determined to reach her triathlon goals. She has grown exponentially,” Waldner said. “She is mastering the art of triathlon, both in her skill set and mindset.”
She has grown not only in talent but also spiritually. Smith leads prayers during race day mornings and gives out race information. She has developed major leadership qualities during her four years in triathlon.
At FC, Smith participates in Cross Country during the fall season and Track during spring. Smith set the record for the 1600 mile during the 2024-2025 school year. The years of hard work and dedication show themselves in the things she achieves.
Smith continues to put her blood, sweat and tears into cross country, track and triathlon. With her family, coaches and the Lord by her side, she can accomplish anything she sets her mind to.
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