The 36-year-old, who is in his first year of competitive racing, qualified for the September 14-17 event, on the back of a number of strong results.

“I qualified for the world championships by racing at events up and down the east coast of Australia since October last year,” Lewis said.

“I have raced at a number of scenic places like Yarrawonga-Mulwalla on the Victoria/NSW boarder, Canberra, Coffs Harbour and Mooloolaba.”

Lewis will be competing in the standard distance (1500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run) 35-39 year age group category while in The Netherlands – the first time he’s competed overseas.

“My expectations heading over to The Netherlands is to set a new personal best time,” he said.

“Racing in an unseen location, against the world’s best in the sport, will be a few of the exciting challenges that I’ll no doubt have to overcome.

“Qualifying for this competition ranks the highest in my personal sporting achievements.

“I have played sports at state level through high school, but this is a whole new level.

“The most satisfying aspect of this achievement is that I have done it around my normal day-to-day life.

“I work full-time, but also have a wife and three children who have supported and encouraged me to achieve this.”

In recent weeks, Lewis has been training hard at getting his swim and cycle leg on par with his strongest leg, the run, through intensive training.

“My training schedule has been very well planned and programmed by my coach and mentor, Belinda Althaus at FBT and Fitness here in the Shoalhaven,” he said.

“It was her belief in my crazy goal and her passion for driving me to reach this level, that has seen me realise a dream I really never thought was possible.

“She has taken a very realistic approach to my situation and has helped me tremendously in achieving my goals.

“I train approx 10-12 hours a week and up to two sessions a day.

“In terms of the race itself, I have not set specific goal times given the unique nature of the course, including two separate transition areas and a bike course that includes cobblestones, so I will be simply looking to improve on my best to date.”