If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to grow up in a triathlon dynasty, Chloe Gorman has the answer — and it’s a mix of perks, pride, and a fierce push to carve her own path.
Hi Chloe, thanks for joining me! What’s the best bit about being a Gorman?
There are so many good things! Having a built-in bike mechanic (Dad) means I can just switch my brain off and hand my bike over – although he’s made sure I know the basics. And Mum’s my built-in best friend, so I always have someone to do things with. Then there’s Hayley – having such an inspiring older sister is cool. I look up to her so much.
On the other hand, being known as a Gorman also means being put in a pigeon-hole. I’ve been working really hard over the last couple of years to create my own identity.
How long have you been a member of Bayside Tri Club and what got you involved?
I’ve been a member since 2010. You have to be at least 7 to race in triathlon, and I was on the start line ready to go as soon as I was allowed — heavily influenced by my parents, of course!
What do you love about the club?
The facilities and training opportunities are excellent, especially for anyone starting out. There are great mentors and so many friendly faces. My favourite part is travelling up to Noosa for the triathlon — heaps of us stay in the same resort and the camaraderie between athletes is just awesome.
What race distances have you tackled so far?
I’ve done a lot of sprint distance races, and a handful of Olympic. Right now, I’m training for the Cairns 70.3 in June — it’s been an 18-week block so far and a real challenge to balance that with full-time Uni and placement. Completing my first 70.3 will be a showcase of the discipline and dedication I’ve learnt through the process.
Amazing – good luck in your first 70.3!
What sporting achievements are you most proud of?
I set the bar very high for myself, so there aren’t many that come to mind. But I’m proud of winning the Secondary Catholic Sports Association (inter-school) triathlon three years running. I also mentored girls at my old school for the next few years. Racing for the Victorian triathlon team in Year 12 was pretty cool.
What have been some of your more recent race results?
I placed 4th in my age group at the 2XU St Kilda Olympic Distance with a time of 2:29:54. And at the Sandringham Sprint I came 5th in age group, finishing in 1:26:32.
Awesome. And I hear you received some great news recently?
Yes! I made the Australian team for the Wollongong World Champs in October for the draft legal sprint distance.
Incredible news – BTC is very proud of you!
Do you have any future race goals?
Ever since Dad raced the 2013 Melbourne Ironman and I heard about the Ironman World Championships in Kona, I’ve been obsessed with the idea of qualifying. I’d love to do it sooner rather than later.
Tough age group though – 20–24?
It is. The shorter distances are really competitive, but the longer the distance, the more the competition dwindles – so I need to get training for the full distance Ironman to increase my chances of qualifying.
Or you could wait until you’re older, like me, when the competition starts to dwindle again…
I could play the long game, but I’d rather go for it now 😊
Do you have a greatest rival?
Not really. It sounds cliché, but I’m very self-driven. I believe I have the motivation and discipline to lock in when it counts.
Any injuries or race mishaps?
About five years ago I had the most excruciating overuse injury in my hip flexors – it still flares up occasionally, but nothing major. So far, no race disasters…I’m on a good streak and trying not to jinx it!
Touch wood!
What else do you do for fun outside of triathlon?
I love going to raves with friends – though I’ve been the designated driver quite a bit lately. The tricky part is that the summer ‘silly season’ overlaps with triathlon season, so I have to pick and choose which events I go to wisely.
What are you up to study-wise?
I’m graduating with a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science in October, and planning to continue next year with a Master in Clinical Exercise Physiology.
Fantastic – well done! And who’s your number one supporter?
Definitely Mum! I chew her ear off daily, and she’ll travel to support me no matter where I’m racing.
Oo, she’ll love Hawaii! She’ll be front and centre with a flag and a cheer squad…you’d better start that Ironman training…
