Official SunSmart IRONMAN Western Australia Press Conference Highlights
Seven IRONMAN athletes sat on the athlete panel to preview their form and expectations leading into the SunSmart IRONMAN Western Australia event on Sunday 9th December 2012. Rebekah Keat (AUST) On her recent racing results “Hawaii didn't quite go to plan, I made some rookie errors that you s
Seven IRONMAN athletes sat on the athlete panel to preview their form and expectations leading into the SunSmart IRONMAN Western Australia event on Sunday 9th December 2012.
Rebekah Keat (AUST)
On her recent racing results
“Hawaii didn’t quite go to plan, I made some rookie errors that you shouldn’t be making as a professional in the sport for this long. I am hoping not to make the same errors on Sunday.”
“I had a bit of sciatica in my back in Hawaii and I felt it go in the swim and I just had to do whatever I could to try and finish. No excuses, it’s my own fault and it is feeling fine now.”
On the IRONMAN Western Australia course
“I couldn’t say no to coming back to race here. I absolutely love racing in Busselton.
“There are no tricks to this course, you just have to grind your teeth, stay on your bike, be confident, eat, drink and hope that everything else goes well.”
Britta Martin (NZ)
On her expectations going into Sunday’s race
“I am in fairly good shape and my training has been going really well.
“I have never raced here before and although I may be a little behind on the swim, I am looking forward to seeing what I can do on the run.
“I went for a training swim this morning and it was a bit choppy so we will see how that goes but overall I am excited to be here and looking forward to the race on Sunday.”
On the course
“I have heard that it is going to be hot and fast. It is really smooth here and it is going to be fast for sure.”
Bree Wee (USA)
Her view on Australia and the field for Sunday
“I have been to Noosa, Queensland before and I loved it. The vibe here in Western Australia is full of life.
“I am in good shape and I had to take up this opportunity to race here in Australia especially to get some points to get back into Kona next year. I was challenged having to sit back and watch Kona this year and not be able to race.
Timo Bracht (GER) (tackling his 29th IRONMAN race on Sunday)
On his training plan
“I travelled home to my family in the southern part of Germany for the Winter and returned to my training to do lots of mountain biking and some light training like gymnastics. I have also attended a training camp for a week with my family. I then decided to come back here to Busselton to defend my title.
“I am looking forward to starting on Sunday.”
Matty White (AUST)
His race plan
“I am feeling good and it’s good to know the course and know that you can dial it in especially when you’re up against the likes of Timo (Bracht) and Jason (Shortis) and a lot of the other guys.
“I would like to get the win, I have had too many seconds here. Busselton is an amazing place and it’s ideal setting for an IRONMAN race.
“Jimmy Johnsen and Josh Rix will definitely be threats. It is a stacked field and it’s IRONMAN “anything can happen.”
On the crowd support from Busselton
I like to come back to Busselton twice a year and I have got to know the crowd, the characters and the atmosphere is fantastic. It is what you need in an IRONMAN race and what you need. It’s great to see.”
Jason Shortis (AUST) (70 x IRONMAN Finisher)
On racing in Busselton, Western Australia
“I love coming to Busselton. I feel like the locals have adopted me. It has such a good vibe to it here.
What keeps Jason Shortis racing IRONMAN
“I really love this sport, it has given me a lot of life experience and has taught me a lot about myself and the world I live in. Racing IRONMAN is a big part of who I am.
“It feels like it is where I belong. Obviously I am getting older, I have been told that next year is my last year of racing. I am at a stage in my career where I am valuing every single experience and every race that I have.”
Paul Perrett – SunSmart Ambassador
SunSmart tip – Avoid the Worst of UV. Morning and late afternoon, outdoor active is the way, but take the action inside, in the middle of the day.
“In late 2008, I came to the realization that I had become a 36 year-old unfit 130kg chain-smoker. Walking up the stairs at work caused pain in my knees, and made me wheeze with the sound of someone on a deathbed. I smelt like an ashtray, made rugby front row forwards look like lean AFL players, and felt lethargic and depressed. I couldn’t even play in the park with my three kids. What legacy and memories was I going to leave for my children if I died from a heart-attack or lung cancer within the next 5 years?
How do you turn this around? First you need inspiration. A huge inspiration. A life-saving inspiration.
I looked into my past for that inspiration.
I had to find a healthy vision. I have found that through the journey of IRONMAN training.”
FACT FILE
IRONMAN race start:
Sunday 9 December, 5.30am
IRONMAN live coverage:
Join us on race day from 5.30am for live updates, photos and athletes tracker at ironmanlive.com
Twitter #IMWA
IRONMAN Western Australia Race Records:
Jason Shortis AUS (2006) 8:03:56 & Gina Ferguson NZL (2008) 8:59:20
IRONMAN Western Australia 2011 Champions
Timo BRACHT Germany 8:12:39
Michelle BREMER Australia 9:25:38
