How an Epilepsy Diagnosis Didn't Hold Aditya Back from Triathlon

Think your challenges are holding you back from triathlon? 

Meet Aditya Mehta from Mumbai, India, a 35 year old endurance athlete who was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 4. Despite being told that swimming was too dangerous a risk for him with seizures, he learned how to swim freestyle at 32 years old. 

He has since gone on to complete triathlons worldwide. 

His story isn't just inspiring – it's a masterclass in turning limitations into stepping stones for success. And it all started with watching a half marathon in Mumbai.

From Spectator to Game-Changer

In 2015, Aditya stood on the sidelines of the Standard Chartered half marathon, not knowing that moment would transform his life. With zero running experience and epilepsy as his constant companion, Aditya has since completed multiple 10Ks, marathons, and even a 50k ultra. But he wasn't done yet.

Breaking Through the "Impossible"

In 2019, Aditya added cycling to his repertoire and, despite being told that swimming was too dangerous a risk for him with seizures, he quite literally took the plunge and learned to swim freestyle in 2022 at 32 years old, adding the final piece to his triathlon puzzle. 

For Aditya, this wasn't just about completing a race – it was about seeing how far he could challenge his body and shattering preconceptions about what is possible with epilepsy.

The Nutrition Game-Changer

With the support of his family, swimming coach and doctors, Aditya continued to train but knew he needed a nutrition strategy as unique as his situation. Joining the Triathlon Nutrition Academy has given him the personalised approach to help him fuel his ambitious goals.

No more guesswork, no more generic plans – just precise, targeted fuelling strategies that support both his epilepsy and his performance goals. The result? He's now preparing for a Half Ironman in Estonia with a sub-six-hour target in his sights.

Beyond Personal Victory

Aditya isn't just changing the game for himself – he's reshaping how the world views athletes with epilepsy. Through citywide events and advocacy, he's building a community that turns "you can't" into "watch me." His message is clear: with the right support and strategy, your supposed limitations can become your greatest strengths.

If you have challenges that you think are too big, Aditya reminds us that limitations are only set in our minds. Once you let them go, anything is possible.

LINKS:

Aditya Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhythmic.runner/

 

Download the FREE 5-part audio series The 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day https://www.dietitianapproved.com/mistakes

 

Join the Triathlon Nutrition Academy: www.dietitianapproved.com/academy 

Support the TNA Podcast: https://www.dietitianapproved.com/legend

Check how well you’re doing when it comes to your nutrition with our 50 step checklist to Triathlon Nutrition Mastery: dietitianapproved.com/checklist

 

Start working on your nutrition now with my Triathlon Nutrition Kickstart course: dietitianapproved.com/kickstart

It’s for you if you’re a triathlete and you feel like you’ve got your training under control and you’re ready to layer in your nutrition. It's your warmup on the path to becoming a SUPERCHARGED triathlete – woohoo!

Website: www.dietitianapproved.com

Instagram: @Dietitian.Approved  @triathlonnutritionacademy

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DietitianApproved

 

The Triathlon Nutrition Academy is a podcast by Dietitian Approved. All rights reserved.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.