What drew you to become an Ironwoman, was it always the plan?
As a kid, I always loved nippers and spending time at the beach with my friends, but I never imagined myself becoming an Ironwoman. As I got older, I started to really enjoy training and pushing myself to be the best I could be, and I think that’s when I decided I wanted to take Ironwoman racing more seriously. What we go through as athletes is pretty incredible, and I think watching the series and seeing the older girls compete is what really inspired me to become an Ironwoman myself.
What does a typical training week look like for you and how do you balance it with everything else in your life?
A typical training week for me looks like 4 swim sessions, 3 ski sessions, 2 board sessions, 2 iron sessions, 3 run sessions, 1 gym session and 1 Pilates session. I’m pretty lucky to have two amazing jobs that accommodate my training, and I also started back at uni part-time this year. A lot of time management and organisation goes into my weeks, but honestly, it’s all about balance. I try to make time for every part of my life - work, training, uni, and spending time with friends and family.
What is the hardest part of Ironwoman that nobody talks about?
I love being an Ironwoman, but there are definitely some training days where I’m just not up to it. Staying motivated throughout an entire season can be really difficult, but that’s where discipline comes in. On those tougher days, I try to remind myself of my goals and what I’m working towards.
Do you have any pre-race rituals or superstitions you swear by?
What does your morning routine look like on race day?
It really depends on the competition I’m racing in. If we’re racing early in the morning, I’ll usually wake up around three hours before my first race, have breakfast, then stretch and activate before heading down to the beach. If it’s a later start, I still like to get up early and head to the pool for a 2km swim. I’ll usually grab a coffee and check out the beach before heading back to the accommodation to eat around 2–3 hours before racing. Then it’s more stretching and activation before heading back down to the beach.
What is your relationship with the ocean like outside of competition?
I love the ocean, and on my days off I’m usually at the beach relaxing with friends or family. One of my jobs is working as a lifeguard on the Sunshine Coast, so I spend a lot of time by the water both in and out of competition.
What do you wish you had known when you first started competing?
When I first started competing professionally as an Ironwoman, I wish I had known how important it is to stay present and enjoy the moment rather than getting too caught up in results. Looking back, I remember the memories I made with family and friends, and the experiences I was lucky enough to have, far more than how I actually went in the race. That’s something I now realise is much more important to me.
Who or what keeps you motivated on the days you really do not want to train?
My goals are definitely the main thing that keeps me motivated. Even when I’m not feeling motivated in the moment, I try to think about what I want to achieve and how rewarding it will all feel in the end. My training squad and coach also play a huge role, they make it so much easier to show up to training because every session is fun and enjoyable.
What are your biggest goals for the next 12 months, in and out of sport?
What does life outside of Ironwoman look like for you, what are you passionate about beyond the surf?
Outside of being an Ironwoman, I work as a lifeguard on the Sunshine Coast and I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Dietetics. Spending time with family and friends is a huge part of my life, and I also love staying fit and healthy, whether that’s going for runs or walks with my favourite people. I’m also a massive foodie, so I love trying new cafés, baking new things, and cooking up different recipes.