Hi Hayley, thanks for joining me for your member spotlight. Let’s start by finding out how long you’ve been a member of Bayside Tri Club (BTC) and what made you join?
I’ve been a member for at least 15 years now – I joined the club with the whole family, when Taylormade and Bayside amalgamated, and I haven’t looked back since.
How would you describe BTC?
‘Here to get the job done while having fun!’. I love the social side of the club.
Oo, come along to our season opener on Sunday 13th October! Barefoot bowls & bbq 😊
What distance(s) triathlons have you done?
Minis, Sprints and Team Olympics.
What sporting achievement are you most proud of?
100% my first marathon in Cairns!
That’s a hot first marathon to do?
It was! And my training didn’t go as planned – I got injured during week 5 of my 16-week training plan and had to essentially build back up from 0km in 8 weeks.
Oh no! How did you get injured?
I pushed a bit too hard during a lower body gym session which really impacted my hip. Found out I have Cam FAI in my left hip – very minor but will always stay with me. I also developed a bit of runner's knee as a result of this.
But you managed to finish?
Yes, just being able to complete it was amazing! During the race there was no doubt in my mind I would finish! The location, plus the vibes from all the spectators and runners from both the marathon and other distances really helped on the day.
Well congratulations, that’s one heck of an achievement. Having done only one marathon myself, I know it hurts, let alone with your hip and knee issues!
What are your other race aspirations?
I have actually signed up for my first 70.3 in Taupo on March 1st, 2025 (20-24 age group). So, I’m working towards that before I set my eyes on anything bigger!
Go girl! And is there an Ironman in there too someday?
I don't think it's a secret that everyone in the Gorman family is destined to do at least one Ironman. Definitely the goal at some point, but not for a few years down the line.
You crazy Gormans 😊What are your other life ambitions?
I am quite career driven. Currently I am the Volunteer Engagement Coordinator at Golf Australia.
I have big goals of working in the Workforce/Volunteer space at the Brisbane Olympic Games 2032 and then moving into a more high-performance team manager role with a UCI World Team.
Amazing. Watch this space UCI!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Think about where you want to be 1, 5, 10 years down the line, and what actions or decisions can you make now to get there.
Sage advice, and we look forward to seeing everything you achieve! How would your family describe you? Driven, no doubt?
Yes, driven, outgoing and bubbly 😊
What’s your spirit animal?
Golden retriever! Because I’m outgoing and bubbly…and I have a shaggy blonde mullet.
Lol. What’s the most golden retriever like thing you did as a child?
I broke one of the front windows of our old house by sticking my bottom out of it.
Doh.
What else do you do for fun?
I like to read and sew. Fashion was my other career path outside of sport.
Which famous person would you be for the day?
Tadej Pogačar – it would be awesome to spend a day riding the routes he does daily, with his cycling ability.
Oh yes, he is awesome! And I just love saying his name too. Pogačar.
Who’s your greatest supporter?
100% Mum. Crazy woman stole a random man’s bike to find me during my marathon.
Lol. That doesn’t sound like Kaz G at all?
You’ve moved out of home to live in Canberra (was that to escape the crazy?) – what do you think of the place and what do you miss?
Canberra is actually really nice. It's like a country town with city services. So, you can still be really go go go, but at a slightly slower pace. I miss not having to pay rent...
Um, and your family of course (?!) Who's your biggest family rival?
We don't really have rivalries in the Gorman family. G-force is more of a well-oiled machine. Dad is the ultimate domestique, Mum the mountain domestique, Chloe the GC rider and I'm the sprinter. We all know what we do well and try to support each other.
Gorgeous – you have a family name! We love you, G-force 😊
Thanks for the interview, and for being part of Bayside Triathlon Club. Best of luck for your first 70.3!
And to close, here’s a surprise message from your number one fan and biggest supporter. Awww.
“Hayley is our ultimate surprise packet. She’s never followed the rulebook and has always done things her own way. In just a few years in the workforce she’s already flourishing, creating an amazing pathway in pursuit of big dreams. (Luckily for me, she still thinks I’m cool enough to hang out with.) She’s always been a mover and shaker – walking at just 8.5 months, she was born ready to punch the ticket and take the ride – either on the back of a bike or being pushed in a pram on a fun run. The girls loved being involved with our sporting endeavours. David and I look back fondly over memories of both girls tracking us with excitement through our respective IM races…igniting the spark in Hayley’s DNA to one day soon undertake her own IM journey. She knows I’ll be there continuing to fill my bucket of proud moments for this amazing human I get to call my daughter.”
