Australian Triathlete – July-August 2017

AustrAliAn triAthlete | 31

lucky enough to have the support of the

entire ADF team. It was a tough day,

especially on the bike but once I got onto

the run, I found that my legs were working

and I got over that finish line, which was

an amazing feeling.

Qualifying, as a Military participant,

was amazing. To know that Ironman

recognises the unique challenges that we

as Military members face is so humbling.

The Military Division is huge in the US,

and it’s brilliant that is has been

included in Australian races. What has

the support been like for the Military

Division here in Australia?

Melbourne by far was the most amazing

experience as a military member I have

ever felt. We were included and made to

feel so special - I felt almost guilty that I

got to have VIP access to things. But

equally spending over six months in

Afghanistan made me realise that I should

lap it up when made to feel a bit special.

you to continue in the sport and what

are your secrets to success and

longevity in this sport?

It was the challenge. I was once told by a

triathlon coach that they didn’t think I

could do Ironman and maybe I should

wait. So I always have that in my mind,

that there are people out there that will

put others down instead of helping them

reach success. I want to be an inspiration

to others - forget the haters, get out there

and give it your best. When you race

what’s the worst that can happen? You

don’t finish? So what! You will still meet

some awesome people out there.

You qualified for Kona at Ironman

Melbourne in 2015, through the Military

Division. That must have been a proud

and emotional day. Tell us about how

the day unfolded, and what that

experience was like for you. Who was

there as your support team?

I went into Melbourne injured, and I was

When was your first foray into triathlon?
What was the race/distance? What was
the experience like for you? Did you know
then that you would go on to do Ironman?
Ha-ha! This is an experience I will never
forget! My work colleague invited me to a
club race, and I was thinking, “I can swim
400m”, so I turned up and stood on the
beach - I borrowed a tri suit from her, and
lined up next to everyone else in their
wetsuits. It was a one and a half lap course
of 50m out, 100m across and by the first
turn I was ready for the boat to come and
rescue me. No one had told me about
waves and bilateral breathing, and I almost
drowned. I said I would never do one again.
That was in 2012. Clearly, never say never!

on Triathlon/Ironman

You’ve since raced in six Ironman 70.3
and four Ironman events – what is it
about long course that makes you keep
coming back for more? What motivates

© Commonwealth of Australia / ABIS Sarah Williams

TWo WorLDS: Australian Army Major, holly orchard, during the 83km cycling leg of the 10th

Annual huskisson Triathlon festival.