In 2025 I represented the Huck It Rider Team in Downhill MTB and was able to take the title of WA Over All Women’s E-DH Champion!
Myself on the top step with Tash Lewis in second and Bec Steele in 3rd.
At the end of 2025 I decided to set myself a new challenge, something completely out of my comfort zone but incredibly meaningful to me.
Ever since I can remember my Dad has competed in Ironman triathlons. He has finished over 20 full length Ironmen including the Ironman World Championships in Kona. In 2023, at age 70 he competed in the Ironman World Championships in Nice, France and was pulled off the course after suffering a heart issue. He came back to Australia and was fitted with a pacemaker and is now competing in half Ironman and Triathlon 100s.
This year marked the 25th anniversary of the Busselton 100 Triathlon. My Dad is one of 5 people to do all 25. To celebrate my Dad and his achievements, I decided to do the full Busso 100 with him despite not knowing how to swim and never having ridden a road bike.
When I told the team that I was staying on as Team Manager for 2026 but wouldn’t be racing MTB as I wanted to train for a half Ironman, they were all beyond supportive!
Road wasn’t a discipline I had ever done, I started swimming lessons to learn how to swim as an adult and running was my least favourite activity. Changing disciplines as well as starting a whole new sport was a massive undertaking but my team mates became my biggest fans!
Louise looked at every road bike listing I sent her and helped me pick the best one.
Before the local pool opened for the season, Turi let me swim laps in her backyard pool and offered words of encouragement and advice on my form. Turi also came on road rides with me.
Me in Turi’s pool.
Turi and I on a road ride.
Hannah took me for my first swim in the ocean, did pool laps with me, helped me write my nutrition plan for race day and took her gravel bike out on the road to ride with me.
Hannah and I at the pool
Hannah and I riding together
Becky checked in with me weekly to make sure I was sticking to my training plan and came running with me.
Becky and I post run.
Amy was my main support on race day, staying in Busselton with me over the race weekend and ensuring I had everything ready.
Amy putting on my swim cap.
Swim – 2km
My aim was to get out of the swim in under an hour. I managed to do it in 51 minutes, 13 seconds.
Bike – 80km
I knew the bike would be my strongest leg and I was confident going into it. I kept my average pace on the bike above 25kmph and while I felt that I could go faster I held back not knowing what the run leg would bring. I completed the 80km in 3 hours and 5 minutes.
Me smiling for camera on the bike leg at Busselton 100
Run – 18km
My legs did not work off the bike at all so I ran at the pace they would let me. I was pretty much in zone 2 breathing wise and heart rate wise, my legs just didn’t go.
With only 3km to the finish line I finally caught up to my Dad who had started walking coz of cramps. I was maintaining my pace but decided to slow and jog in with him. I started this journey for him and I finished it with him.
My Dad and I crossing the finish line hand in hand.
Without the support of my team, my training and race day wouldn’t have gone anywhere near as smoothly. I am so lucky to be surrounded by such a supportive group of women who I am proud to call my friends.
