The Pune competitor claimed the State title at Shiv Chhatrapati Shivaji Sports Complex recently but was hardly upbeat about winning -- his stint in the pool where finished last leaves him apprehensive about his chances in Kochi.

``My swimming must improve by at least 12 seconds,'' he affirmed.

Slim but wiry, Mistry hauled himself to victory on the strength and power of his pedalling. Cycling brings a glint to his eyes and wheels are his fortune.

For all the physical demands of the triathlon, Mistry feels the mind counts for success more than any other faculty of the body.

``Besides mental strength, triathletes must be attentive to progress during the race -- the time-bound laps in the pool and time-gaps over the entire event must be adhered to or you're disqualified,'' he explains.

Twenty-six-year-old Mistry works as a visualiser for Hallmark Cards. He tongue in cheek rationalises his success as an extension of work saying, ``Visualising myself as a winner does help, I guess.''

Mistry's training schedule begins immediately after work at 5.30 p.m. and the grind includes everything -- from aerobatics to weight training. Diet is comprehensive and a balance of carbohydrates to proteins is vital in a sport of varying demands.

Mistry grew up in Jamshedpur before coming to Pune and collecting Management degrees almost in the same frequency as he did titles at his chosen sport -- actually, the only sport he loves. Mistry explains: ``It is said that when athletes flop at other sports they take to the triathlon. As for me, I would not want to give up time for any other sport. The triathlon is my first and last love.''

The Kochi Nationals in early October will go along with the Asian Series. Mistry is eyeing gold at the Nationals -- a realistic ambition but makes no comments on the Asian series where the Australians and New Zealanders are hot favourites.

If swimming is his gray area, the former Central Railway athlete's prowess at cycling is in danger of being blunted with the new ruling on pacing -- distance restrictions between cyclists in the triathlon. The new ruling will enable `parasite' peddlars save vital energy by staying immediately behind pace setters, thereby shielding themselves from wind resistance.

However, neither wind nor water in any way smoulder the the fire within Mistry to excel as the twice junior National gold medalist aims for senior honours.