Bio
Emma is a full time Professional Triathlete, totally dedicated to achieving excellence in this gruelling multiple-sport.
Competing world-wide & year-round in the world’s fastest growing outdoor sport, happily means following the summer sun – so each year from May to September, Emma moves north and resides in the Rocky Mountains town of Boulder, Colorado. From this high altitude fitness training base, she might travel to compete anywhere in North America or Europe, depending on her race schedule and the type of triathlon she plans to contest.
Then, around October, Emma flies south to reside near Australia’s beautiful Gold Coast surf beach where the warm climate and training facilities suits her best. From here she competes in the southern summer triathlon program and might be found racing anywhere in the South Pacific, South America, Africa, Asia or the Middle East – through until April.
At this time in her career Emma mainly competes in the International Triathlon Union (ITU) governed, Olympic distance, World Cup Series events which comprise a consecutive 1.5k swim, 40k drafting bike, and 10k run for which she is a Triple World Champion, Commonwealth Games Gold Medal winner and 2008 Beijing Olympic Games contestant.
Emma also enjoys competing in non-drafting events over Olympic & longer distances under ironman race rules as part of a long term strategic athletic objective. Her aim in pursuing this extremely strenuous career is to achieve high distinction in all race codes and distances and become the very best multi-discipline Triathlete that she can be.
Training for the three ‘swim, bike & run’ disciplines of triathlon typically consumes six hours of Emma’s day, at least six days a week. It can involve swimming in lakes, rivers, oceans or public pools – biking through flat country plains or over mountain roads – running trails or beach-side pathways – plus she does transition training, indoor gym work & Pilate’s
Q & A
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How many years have you participated in your sport?
10 years. Started my last year of high school. Professional for 5 years.
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If you were not a pro triathlete, what would you be?
A Pro Surfer. I can't surf to save myself, but the lifestyle and the places you are able to go to sound unreal.
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Do you have any other special talents?
I wish!! I used to play the piano, but that required too much sitting still, which is definitely not one of my talents.
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How do you see yourself?
I think I can sometimes be mistaken for rebellious as I have always wanted to do my own thing and don't feel easily influenced by others to change my ways or decisions. I tend to like to learn things the hard way, but willing to learn from my own mistakes.
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What are things that inspire you?
Trying to get the best out of myself as an athlete, but still have a balanced life outside of triathlon. I enjoy pushing my own limits.
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What is the greatest lesson you have ever learned?
Life is so short and you have to make the most of every moment. Traveling definitely makes you appreciate the life you have been born into and the opportunities you have.
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What do you hold most valuable in your life?
Family, Health, happiness and the desire to keep achieving.
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What are the three things you've learned from your parents?
1. "I thought I was poor because I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet". It was a great saying I was taught when I as young and made me appreciate everything I had and not what I didn't. 2. How not to worry about what everyone else thinks, because you can't please everyone. 3. Follow your head and heart and always trust your instinct.
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What makes you unique?
People usually tell me they are surprised by my smaller frame size — not what they expect for a triathlete. I certainly don"t perceive myself in this way, but I seem to stand out a little more for this reason. I think they just expect me to be bigger and appear stronger than I am. I just remind them that "good things come in small packages"...
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Best advice someone gave you:
"No one said it would be easy, they just said it would be worth it." This quote is so applicable to every aspect of life.
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What do you value most in your friends?
Their honesty, sense of humor and love of life.
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