Happy and hungry in Melbourne

Two more sleeps until Ironman Melbourne…

Happy…
I was sitting in the press conference earlier today with literally some of the greatest athletes in Triathlon. It’s both humbling and exciting to be up there with these guys and girls. The women’s field for IM Melbourne is very, very strong, so watch out for an exciting and hard-fought race with some fast times going down.

When it comes to the men, I think it’s also going to be a big race. I’m going in there as the #2 seed, behind German Nils Frommhold. The last time I saw Nils on the course, I was in a world of pain! It was at Kona and I was working hard at holding it together in the last few kms of the run after having the stuffing kicked out of me going through the Energy Lab. Cramping badly, I watched Nils pass me to take 6th place in the 2014 IM World Championship.

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Sitting next to me, in front of the Press was another legend of Triathlon, Luke Bell. This guy has had an epic career. After 14 years he’s still going like a steam train- it’s inspiring to see how he keeps on keeping on.

Overall, I feel that life is good! I’m happy to be here in Melbourne competing with these guys, plus some good up-and-comers. It’s going to be a great race- whatever the conditions turn out to be on the day… and that could be literally anything!

Hungry…
I’ve been working hard for this race. After Kona last year, IM Melbourne has been my main focus and I’ve certainly put in the hard yards over the last 6 weeks in particular. Mentally and physically I’m feeling well-prepared. I haven’t had any issues with sickness or injury, so I’m raring to go this weekend.

It’s been a while since I’ve had an IM win and I’m hungry to get on that podium. And I’d love to do it here in Melbourne. The hard work’s done, I’m fully prepared and on Sunday morning the plan is not to over-think, but just to stay loose, let things flow, give it my best shot and have fun. And I guess, worst case scenario… Luke Bell’s place is at the 30km mark of the run. If things get too tough, I can always stop in there for a cold, refreshing brew on the way through!

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Good luck to everyone competing in Melbourne. See you at the finish line!

Photos by Delly Carr

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