AustrAliAn triAthlete | 47#inspo
positivity and lend a hand to those
struggling physically or mentally.
Simply by giving someone a cheer, a high
five, or post-race handshake can make
such a difference to someone’s race day.
AT: Absolutely! What’s the best piece of
advice you’ve ever been given?
MR: Something my mum has always
reminded me is to enjoy racing and have
fun. Sometimes we can put too much
pressure on ourselves to perform or meet
others expectations. I have found that I
have my best performances when I remind
myself I do this sport for enjoyment and
that it should not be a stressful occasion.
Lighten up and don’t take it too seriously.
AT: Who are your role models?
MR: My coach, my mum and inspirational
people including, Siri Lindley, Turia Pitt,
Lionel Sanders, Steve Prefontaine, Louis
Zamperini and Desmond Doss.
AT: When the going gets tough, what
keeps you motivated and on track?
MR: If I am going through a rough time,
I remind myself what I am grateful for.
This may simply be that I have a healthy
body that allows me to swim, bike and run
daily or that I live in a great place with a
supportive coach, family and friends. I also
remind myself why I do this sport and that
is for the challenge, the simple joy of pushing
my body, and training with like-minded
athletes. When you go through a rough
Fun Facts
• One thing you can’t live
without... My dog, Bonnie.
• If not triathlon... Running.
• When not training... Sleeping.
• Bucket list race... Berlin
Marathon or Ironman 70.3
Scotland.
• One piece of advice that you
would give your younger self...
Have confidence in yourself.
You are capable and worthy.
• Name a hidden talent...
I have a few gymnastic stunts
up my sleeve.
• If there were a movie made
about you it would be called...
Size doesn’t matter.Your body hears everything your
mind says, so stay positive!
— Madi Robertspatch, it is important to remember that
things are always changing and you will
not be stagnated forever. If you hold
strong through the rough patches you will
come out a better person and athlete. I
always like to have my next key race goal
in mind when motivation is lacking.
Reflecting on your past achievements also
provides light in a dark patch.AT: What do you do in your spare time?
How do you like to unwind?
MR: My favourite thing to do after work is
spending time with my beautiful dog,
Bonnie! She is a Staffy x Kelpie and I
rescued her from an animal shelter when
she was only six-months-old. I enjoy going
for long, relaxing walks with her to recover
mentally and physically from training.
I also like to read autobiography or
psychology books.AT: What is your best piece of advice for
women who want to follow your path?
MR: To enjoy the process! If you want to
be in this sport for the long-term you must
love what you do. It makes it much easier
getting out of bed each morning if you
look forward to your training sessions.
Find some teammates, a coach and a race
that sparks your interest and be consistent
with your training. Most of all enjoy race
day. This is the day you get to put all your
hard work into action and be proud of
what you have accomplished to get to the
start line.AT: Great advice! OK, last but not least,
where to from here?
MR: I am currently enjoying the running
season and focusing on some half
marathons. I will then be training for the
Ironman 70.3 World Championships in
Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa.
Next year will be an exciting year, racing in
my first few races as a pro and seeing
how I go. I’m excited to see what the
future holds.© Finisher Pix© Finisher Pix