Hey Nolwenn, thanks for joining me. How long have you been a member of Bayside Tri Club, and what made you join?
A long time ago – I think in 2011, which makes it 15 years! I’d done a few corporate triathlons before and loved them. At the time, I was a long-distance runner, had a roadie, and could swim breaststroke (as all French people can).
I’d just separated from my kids’ dad, so I had time on my hands to kill. Joining BTC gave me something positive to focus on and kept me sane. I didn’t know what I was signing up for…but I got addicted quickly!
What do you like about the club?
BTC is like a second family to me. Over the years, I’ve made amazing friendships with like-minded people. It’s such a great bunch to train with, push myself, connect with, and create memories.
What distances have you raced?
All of them – except the full Ironman and Ultra Ironman! So, lots of sprints, a few Olympics, and several half Ironmans.
What sporting achievements are you most proud of?
• 2XU Tri Series 2024/25 – 2nd in age group overall for the series!
• Amy’s Gran Fondo 2024 – 3:57 (17th place)
• 3 Peaks – 2022
• Shepparton Half Ironman 2013 – 5:04 (8th place)
• Geelong Half Ironman – 5:05
• Half marathon PB – 1:35
• 10km PB – 42 minutes
Not bad for someone who thought breaststroke would be enough!
What’s next on the race calendar?
Amy’s Gran Fondo 2025 (I didn’t qualify for Worlds this year, so I want to race well), the 2XU Tri Series 2025/26, and hopefully running faster.
You’re pretty fast already!
Who’s been your greatest rival?
There are a few strong ladies in the club – over the years, Louise Shaw, Fiona Noble, Hayley Gniel, and Ann Bingham have been my big rivals.
Any accidents or injuries?
I’ve had a few bike crashes – once I even rode straight into a parked car. I also had a hip stress fracture last year and spent months on crutches. That really made me rethink how I train.
Doh! Glad to see you better from your hip fracture and riding so strongly again.
Any race-day stuff-ups?
Yes – I DNF’d the Great Ocean Half Marathon in 2011 due to cramps and ended up in emergency transport to the finish line. More recently, I had “the gel incident”… let’s just say I finished the race but needed a long shower afterwards and wanted to hide!
Where did you grow up?
In the north of France, in Roubaix – home of the Paris-Roubaix cycling classic. Maybe that was a sign!
I think so!
When did you come to Australia?
I arrived in 2004 with my husband for his work. With my strong French accent, it’s difficult to believe I’ve been here more than 20 years! We had a short stint in Mumbai for 18 months, then decided to return to Melbourne and settle here.
Tell us about your kids.
I have 16-year-old twins, Maya and Gaspar. They’re nothing alike but they keep me on my toes.
Maya is supportive and thoughtful (though her “transition times” are a bit longer than mine!). She used to race kids’ triathlons, but now she’s focused on school and friends. She likes challenging herself.
Gaspar is my crazy boy – he loves anything with wheels and was riding before he could walk! He likes riding any bikes – roadie, MTB, BMX. He’s just recovered from a terrible MTB fall in Bright, but is back on the bike, riding and jumping. I hope he learnt from it.
Fingers crossed! But somehow I doubt it! What do they make of all the training you do?
They know training makes me a better and available mum. (Training is also becoming a good way to escape the twin’s terrible hormone fluctuations 😉) They track me on Saturday mornings and worry if I’m not home by lunchtime!
No long post-coffee rides for you then!
What work do you do?
I’m an Occupational Therapist with Alfred Health. I’ve been in the profession for over 25 years, starting in Brussels and getting my qualifications recognised when I came to Australia. I love helping people achieve meaningful goals. I don’t always practise what I preach though – I talk about pacing and fatigue management but don’t always apply it to myself!
Who’s your biggest support?
My twins, who often come to the start or finish line – it fills my heart when they’re there. And my youngest brother Aymeric, who took up triathlon after being inspired by me. We try to race together every few years, either here or in France.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
“Believe in yourself! Push hard! Take it easy!” – from my son Gaspar and from Clint.
What else do you do for fun?
I enjoy travelling, although I haven’t done much recently. I can’t wait for the kids to be older so I can escape again!! I like spending time with my family in France - my parents and siblings (3 brothers, 1 sister) and lots of nieces and nephews.
I love being outdoors, hiking, camping, skiing, roller blading, ice skating, gardening, listening to music, and reading (when I’m not too tired!). I like a good balance of socialising and spending time on my own. But time is sometimes limited, so I can’t wait for retirement!
What would you sing at a karaoke night?
Dancing Queen by ABBA – as soon as I hear it, it just gives me great vibes!
Hidden talent?
In a past life, I was a rock ’n’ roll dancer! I even competed before moving to Australia. I love dancing!
Ha – brilliant! We will have to witness this sometime 😊 Anything else we should know about you?
I think you know everything now! Except that I love cheese and baguette!!!!
Of course you do, you’re French!
Thanks for the interview, good luck solo parenting the twins, and all the best for Amy’s Gran Fondo and 2XU series this year!
