From taekwondo to trapeze, marathons to 70.3s, this BTC member brings a mix of grit, humour, and a slightly unconventional sporting journey. A recent addition to the club, her approach to racing is refreshingly simple, stay focussed, have fun, and don’t take it all too seriously.
Hi Einat, how long have you been a member of Bayside Tri Club and what made you join?
About six months. I used to swim with Cheltenham, but when the adult squad stopped I needed a new swim fix. GESAC is close to home, so I thought I’d give it a try.
Well, we’re glad you found us! What do you like about the club?
Everyone is really friendly, Butch is an awesome coach, and I’ve discovered new cycling routes since joining. It feels like a great mix of routine and adventure.
What distance(s) triathlons have you tackled?
Sprint, Olympic and 70.3.
What was your last race and how did it go?
Ironman Geelong 70.3 in March. It was great…and tough. It had been a while since I’d done that distance, and I was quickly reminded of that moment when the mind has to battle the darkness.
Yes, I usually get that at 70km on a hilly bike course!
What sporting achievements are you most proud of?
• Gold at Nationals in taekwondo as a teen
• Gold medals in masters gymnastics in my 30s
• Sandringham Olympic triathlon winner, plus a few other podiums
But honestly, I’m most proud of swimming the Mentone 10km, and finishing a marathon, both things I never thought I’d do.
Also, performing circus arts in front of hundreds of people across different countries.
Wow, multi-talented! Very cool.
Any race aspirations?
Honestly, I don’t really have aspirations. I enter races to keep myself focussed and training.
Next up is the Melbourne Marathon. After that, I’d love to find something more playful, a race where the goal is to have fun and laugh at the end.
Which age group are you in?
Not telling 😆 I did move up a category recently and thought I might be more competitive…turns out middle-aged women only get stronger, so that theory didn’t hold up.
I know right! My age group is so competitive. Damn you Karen Noble, Lou Shaw, Ren Kieseker, Ann Bingham etc.
Who’s your greatest rival?
Just myself. Thankfully she’s pretty average, so I’m hoping to beat her eventually.
Ha ha, one day!
Any injuries or accidents?
I seem to always have some sort of injury, tri-related or otherwise.
The most significant was a multi-level spinal fracture from jumping off a 20m bridge into a lake in Switzerland, not my smartest moment. I was told I’d never run again, so finishing a marathon felt like a good way to prove that prediction wrong.
Bloody hell. No wonder finishing a marathon felt epic.
Have you ever stuffed up in a race?
I’ve swum the wrong way in long ocean swims…multiple times.
I’ve also started long runs far too fast and spent the rest of the race regretting all my life choices.
And not triathlon-related, but I once nearly fell from a trapeze after messing up my rope locks, then had to improvise a new routine mid-performance in front of a big audience. My heart rate was higher than any race.
So you’re a bit of a disaster zone!
What’s your ultimate post-race indulgence?
Someone to put my bike in the car and drive me home!
Absolutely! Is there anything better than someone supporting and then driving you home 😊
What has sport taught you?
That discipline matters more than talent. But even then, we all need a bit of luck.
What would you sing at karaoke?
If you ever see me singing karaoke, please call for help, something has gone very wrong.
Ha ha, noted!
What do you do for fun outside triathlon?
Trampolining, handstands, hiking, painting, and reading. I’m in both a book club and a whisky club, which makes for excellent conversation.
And I really love ice cream.
Do you have any time to work?
Yes 😊 I work in health reform implementation. I’ve had a few different careers already, and hopefully a few more to come.
Who’s your greatest supporter?
My kids.
Best advice you’ve received?
No one else really cares what you do, or how fast you do it, so just do what makes you happy.
Hidden talent?
I used to be able to fire twirl while standing on someone’s head.
Not sure if I still can…but if anyone is willing to donate their head to science, I’m open to testing the theory.
Um, sorry, gotta go…
