You grew up in the ocean, how did that lead you to Ironwoman racing?
I grew up surfing with my older brothers and always loved being in the ocean. When they joined the comp squad, I started board training too, and after seeing some results transitioning into mals, I thought I’d give iron racing a go. Somewhere along the way, I secretly fell in love with pushing my body to its limits.
Walk us through what a big training week looks like for you right now
A big training week consists of 5 swim sessions, 3 ski sessions, 2 board sessions, 1–2 iron sessions, 3 runs and 2 gym sessions. Throughout the week, I usually swim for two hours in the morning, followed by either a gym or run session. In the afternoons, I do my craft sessions, which normally go for around an hour. Depending on the day, I’m usually training 2–3 times, while also trying to fit in recovery sessions amongst the chaos of work and uni 😝
What has been your proudest moment in the sport so far?
I’m most proud of qualifying for the Iron Series while training in Victoria and finishing Year 12 at the same time. I think that experience gave me a lot of confidence and showed me that, with hard work, it doesn’t matter where you come from — you really can achieve your goals when you put your mind to it.
Do you have any pre-race superstitions or non-negotiables before you compete?
I like listening to techno and house music before I race, and I always wear my hair in a braid so it doesn’t get in the way.
How do you recover after a big race or a tough training block?
During a tough training block, prioritising sleep and recovery is so important. I love sitting in the sauna or jumping into an ice bath to help ease all the aches and pains. But most importantly, I try to surround myself with good people because mentally it’s so nice to recharge and fill your cup socially. And of course… choccy milk is always in my esky post-race.
What does the Ironwoman community mean to you, what keeps you coming back?
The Ironwoman community is so inspiring. There are so many talented, passionate and fierce girls in the sport who dominate the surf and show so much strength, both in and out of the water.
What is the biggest lesson the ocean has taught you?
The biggest lesson the ocean has taught me is not to hesitate and to never give up.
How do you manage the mental side of competition, do you have any rituals that help?
The mental side of racing can really make or break whether you perform at your best or have a shocker. To calm my nerves, I love reading a book, but most importantly, I focus on positive self-talk. At the end of the day, you can only control what’s in your control and focus on what you’re doing in the present moment.
Where do you see yourself in five years, athletically and personally?
In five years’ time, I hope to have finished my university degree and be working as a qualified physiotherapist. In terms of surf, I want to continue improving as an athlete, especially in areas like strength, nutrition and recovery, which I hope will lead to more consistent results. So for now, it’s all about continuing to train hard and stay dedicated to achieving those goals.
What do you love doing when you are completely away from sport?
Juggling full-time sport, full-time uni and part-time work can definitely feel overwhelming at times, so I really value doing things that help calm my nervous system. For me, that usually means being at the beach, whether that’s surfing or simply enjoying the sun. I also love catching up with friends and going out for coffee.