State: Victoria
Sport: Off road triathlon and mountain biking
Sporting Accomplishment: 11 time Ironman finisher; 2 time Kona finisher (Hawaii Ironman World Championships); 2 time Xterra Maui finisher (Xterra World Championships); represented Australia at both short and long course distances and placed 11th elite at the ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships last year in Lake Crackenback. Currently racing elite in off road triathlon and mountain biking.
How did you get into your sport: Initially I was a basket baller growing up and competed in my first triathlon at high school, I did the run leg in a team. From that moment on I was hooked. I bought a second hand bike, found a coach and a squad to train with in Geelong and the rest is history. Triathlon has taken me around the world and though the sport I have made many life long friends. Today it is still a huge part of my life.
Hardest thing about your sport: What does your regular training week consists of: I work full time as a paramedic, so juggling the training commitments to race at the elite level and shift work can be challenging at times.
A regular training week consists of at least 2-3 swim sessions, 3-4 run sessions and 2-3 rides, mixed between both road and mostly mountain biking. All of my sessions are varied depending on what phase of training or racing I am in. I also try and incorporate some gym work and TRX where I can.
How do you keep motivated: It would have to be the feeling you get when you achieve a goal and cross the finish line knowing you gave it your all. Sport for me also provides me with the best life/work balance and I am always learning and striving to better myself as an athlete. I have come from a road triathlon background so the challenge of now racing off road and mountain bikes has created a whole new level of motivation for me.
Goals (Future Plans and Career expectations): Racing goals include qualifying for the ITU cross triathlon world championships in Denmark 2018 and heading to Europe mid year to race the European Xterra series with the aim of qualifying for the Xterra World Championships in Maui next year. Career goals include working full time as a paramedic and working towards applying for the MICA (mobile intensive care ambulance) course sometime in the future.
Best piece of advice you have been given: You can’t deny hard work; if you are dedicated and work hard towards your goal you will achieve it. Another favourite piece of advice leading into a race is leave no stone un turned in your preparation, give it your absolute best shot and have fun out there!
