From DNF to Triathlon Triumph: How Dustan Found His Stroke with FORM Goggles
Back in October at the T100 Las Vegas race, we had the pleasure of crossing paths with Dustan Oberhauser. Dustan had a very important role that weekend, as he was managing the aid stations for all the athletes (pro’s and age groupers) across the race weekend but he took a minute out of his busy schedule to tell our team about his inspiring swim journey.
Here’s Dustan’s story.
In May 2023, Dustan signed up for his first triathlon on a whim. With no prior planning and a borrowed mountain bike, he tackled the Sprint & Splash event—a 150-meter swim, an unfamiliar bike leg, and a two-mile run. For Dustan, the swim was the toughest part. With his military background emphasizing survival swimming strokes over freestyle, he struggled through the event with side strokes and short breaks at the pool's edge. It was a humbling introduction to triathlon but planted a seed of determination.
Fast forward to December 2023, Dustan had committed to competing in Ironman Haines City 70.3. However, his swimming challenges persisted. Panic set in during the open-water swim, and he ultimately missed the swim cutoff by six minutes. It was a devastating blow for someone who had poured so much effort into preparation. Determined not to let this define his journey, Dustan vowed to tackle his weaknesses head-on.
Then came a turning point—Dustan received FORM Smart Swim Goggles as a gift from his fiancée. She recognized how much Dustan wanted to conquer his swimming fears after she’d seen an ad for the goggles, she believed they could provide the edge he needed to better understand and learn how to develop his swim. The timing was perfect, as Dustan had a good chunk of pool time scheduled through winter in Utah.
Dustan swimming in the icy waters of Yakutat, Alaska, this past June.
Guided by FORM
Our goggles provided Dustan with real-time data on his pace, distance, and set progress, features he calls "lifesaving" for someone who has ADHD. Previously, he would lose track of his progress mid-swim, leading to incomplete or unstructured workouts. With FORM, swimming transformed from a source of stress to a focused, guided activity.
"I went from barely completing 150 meters freestyle to swimming 1,500 meters as part of my regular workouts. In less than a year, I was enjoying swimming—something I never thought possible," Dustan shared.
Using FORM’s workout library, Dustan followed training plans designed to build endurance and speed. The simplicity of selecting pre-designed workouts tailored to his needs allowed him to focus on technique and execution. Features like HeadCoach™ provided instant feedback, helping Dustan fine-tune his form, breathing, and head position—all without the need for constant in-person coaching.
The Comeback Race
In May 2024, Dustan returned to his next triathlon with unfinished business. He tackled the Ironman Chattanooga 70.3 swim—an extended 1,900-meter course—armed with newfound confidence and skills. The river’s current helped, but so did Dustan’s preparation. He emerged from the water grinning ear to ear, having completed the swim in just over 51 minutes.
This time, the swim wasn’t a hurdle; it was his highlight. Dustan credits the FORM goggles for providing the structure and focus that allowed him to feel calm and prepared. With a strong swim under his belt, he had the energy to tackle the bike and run, ultimately finishing the race triumphantly.
“The swim set the tone for my entire day. I didn’t just survive—I thrived,” Dustan said. “Having a strong swim gave me the mental boost I needed to manage the rest of the race.”
Proving how far he’s come, in September, Dustan went one further and finished his first full Ironman distance race!
A New Passion
Dustan’s relationship with swimming has transformed. Once a source of anxiety, it’s now a cornerstone of his triathlon training. Whether it’s swimming in local reservoirs, training with his daughter, or pulling his son Aiden or other athletes with disabilities through open-water courses with the Kyle Pease Foundation, Dustan embraces every opportunity to get in the water.
Looking ahead, Dustan is preparing to revisit Ironman Haines City, but this time as the swimmer in a relay team. "I’ve got unfinished business with that lake," he jokes. He’s also signed up for a full Ironman (3800-meter swim) and continues to train year-round with his FORM goggles.
Dustan excitedly shared, “I’ve already signed up for my next one [Ironman race] in Tempe, Arizona in November 2025.” Featuring a one-loop swim in Tempe Town Lake, Dustan plans to swim, bike, and run the entire race pulling and pushing his son Aiden in his wheelchair. Aiden is 18 and lives with Cerebral Palsy and is unable to walk but loves spending time on the water and biking and running with Dustan.
For Dustan, FORM isn’t just about swimming faster or further—it’s about overcoming mental hurdles, finding confidence, and rediscovering joy in the sport, which enables him to spend quality time with his family.
“FORM goggles have been a huge part of my journey. I wouldn’t call their role small at all. They helped me go from dreading swimming to making it one of my strongest disciplines. Now, I look forward to every swim session,” he said.
Dustan’s journey is a testament to resilience and the power of technology to unlock potential. Whether you’re starting your swimming journey or striving for your next PR, FORM can be the partner that changes everything.
