Meet Abby: From First Triathlon to Ironman Dreams
Hey Abby, great to have you as part of the club! How long have you been a member and what made you join?
I’ve been a member for around a year. Growing up in Beaumaris, I wanted a local and supportive group to help me train for my first Ironman 70.3. The Bayside Tri Club community has been incredibly welcoming and friendly! 😊
A local girl! Have you ever lived anywhere other than Melbourne?
Nope, I’ve spent all 28 years here! But every now and then, the thought of moving interstate crosses my mind.
What triathlons have you done before?
Believe it or not, my first triathlon was Ironman 70.3 Melbourne in November!
Ha ha, that’s crazy! No Sprint or Olympic distances first? What made you jump straight into a 70.3?
Watching a close friend complete it last year was so inspirational – it lit a fire in me, and I just went for it!
Have you always been sporty?
Yes! I grew up playing tennis and netball, and I also umpired senior-level football for 10 years.
That must have given you a great fitness base for your 70.3! How was the race?
Honestly, I couldn’t stop smiling the entire time. My goal was just to complete it, and I did it in 5 hours and 50 minutes. It was my first time swimming in the bay—or even wearing a wetsuit—so I was pretty nervous. But after seeing my swim time, I knew it was going to be a great race. I had my fastest ride ever, and was really happy with my run. Words can’t describe how much I enjoyed it… ha ha!
Congratulations! Although I bet your coach, Lynchy, was rolling his eyes at you not doing a bay or wetsuit swim beforehand 😉
Probably! But it all worked out in the end…
What other sporting achievements are you most proud of?
Definitely completing my two marathons – huge achievements!
Sounds like an Ironman should be next!
Yep, that’s the dream! Not sure when, or what’s in between now and then, but completing a full Ironman is my ultimate goal.
Where would you like to race your first Ironman?
I’m still so new to the Ironman scene, but ideally, I’d love to complete my first one in Australia or New Zealand, so my friends and family can be there to cheer me on.
Cute! Who’s your greatest supporter?
Mum and Dad! I even inspired them to create a relay team for next year!
I saw that on FaceBook – how wonderful to be their inspiration!
It’s pretty special. I can’t wait to see them out there.
How would your friends and family describe you?
Outgoing, witty, dedicated, caring, and full of energy.
What would you sing at a karaoke night?
Anything Britney Spears – she’s a legend.
Oo, Hit Me Baby One More Time. Who would play you in a movie?
Mila Kunis – she’s an amazing actress and so funny!
Great choice, and you look like her! If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation, 100%. Imagine how much time I’d save.
…And how fast you’d finish an Ironman! 😊 What do you do when you’re not training?
I love hanging out with my friends and family. I’m also an orthodontic nurse and a pub manager – two very different worlds.
Two jobs?! Isn’t one enough?!
Ha ha! I’ve worked two jobs since I was 15. I need to stay busy all hours of the day—it’s just who I am. Plus, it gives me variety and a good mix of experiences. Best of both worlds, ha ha!
What's your favourite place you've travelled to?
Mexico! I went with six girlfriends two years ago, and it was absolutely stunning. We made some amazing memories there.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
‘Anything is possible’; I live by that in every aspect of my life.
What else should we know about you?
I’m very grateful for the support and opportunities I’ve had, and I can’t wait to see where this triathlon journey takes me next!
Well best of luck! We look forward to following your Ironman adventures, and love having you as part of the club!
