Former Essendon midfielder David Zaharakis has done so well in his transformation into an Ironman competitor that he will face off against the ‘elite of the elite’ in the sport’s world championship this weekend.

Zaharakis played 226 games across 13 AFL seasons for the Bombers before retiring in 2021.

He was a fan favourite of supporters decked out in red and black, and in 2013 snared the Anzac Day Medal following a commanding performance against Collingwood as well as the being crowned the club’s best and fairest player in 2011.

The 34-year-old has found a new sporting passion over the past year, competing in Ironman events across five Australian states and Colorado in the US.

He told Trizone that his move to endurance racing from chasing Sherrins evolved naturally.

‘Honestly, after leaving AFL, I realised my passion for football was waning,’ he said.

Former Essendon midfielder David Zaharakis (pictured playing for the Bombers) will tackle the ‘elite of the elite’ in the Ironman 70.3 world championship this weekend 

After retiring from footy in 2021, Zaharakis needed a new sporting focus – and it came via competing in triathlons

‘I always enjoyed swimming and cycling during my AFL career, and I guess it was a natural progression. The idea hit me during a family holiday, and I just went for it.’

Zaharakis secured a coveted call-up for this weekend’s world championship in the picturesque town of Taupo, where he will compete as an ambassador athlete.

He will attack the gruelling race that features a 1.9km swim in Lake Taupo, 90km bike ride and a 21.1km run.

‘I still feel very green in the sport, I’m learning new things every single day, with each of the three disciplines,’ Zaharakis said.

‘You’re 12 months in and you realise there is still so much to learn and so much to improve on.

‘I’m loving the sport and loving the fact that I’ve found a new passion, this is still years in the making to become the level that I want to get to.

‘I’m willing to work at it every single day to get there.

‘A world championship is the elite of the elite, as an athlete you want to be around those people, the best … hopefully I’m out there putting in a good performance and proving that I belong out there.’

Zaharakis also appeared on Australian Survivor in 2022 as part of the Heroes vs Villain aspect of the show.

He eventually had his torch snuffed and admitted the experience in Samoa was brutal at times.

Zaharakis (pictured with partner Amy Pejkovic) secured a coveted call-up for this weekend’s world championship in the picturesque town of Taupo, competing as an ambassador athlete

‘It definitely brought back old emotions watching it [on TV],’ he told Woman’s Day last year.

‘It took me a month after leaving the game to really pick over everything and play out different scenarios in my head.

‘It’s a very unique experience. Playing football, you watch your game back and then you move on.

‘For months after I exited [the show] and went home to Australia, I thought about it.’