Nicole Lovegrove, 2024 World Triathlete
October 19th, 2024. The day I’ll wear the silver fern and represent New Zealand in the World Age Group Standard Distance Triathlon Championships in Spain.
If you asked me 10 years ago, there is no way I would’ve expected this opportunity to be on the horizon. Sporting abilities have never come naturally to me. I was more of the ‘social sport’ team member who participated for enjoyment rather than skill.
When life threw me some curveballs, I turned to fitness for my mental wellbeing. My love of the outdoors grew and I set myself the challenge of giving triathlons a go, specifically working towards completing a Half Ironman.
Henk saw me at the pool one morning when I was there training on my own and invited me to jump in with his Masters squad. I was hesitant, as I hadn’t swum since high school! Henk and the other swimmers all encouraged me, so I gave it a go. The session wasn’t easy but training with the rest of the squad was highly motivating and supportive. I had a blast!
Since that day in 2020, I have trained with Henk and the Masters squad consistently 3-4 mornings every week. I have competed in a mixture of triathlons, including half Ironman and standard distances, off road and on road events. Here I am today, 2 months off competing in a world event and achieving something I never imagined possible.
Being part of the squad has pushed me more than I could’ve on my own and has made training so much more enjoyable and motivating. Even though we may all have different reasons for swim training, we train as a team and support each other to reach their goals.
Anything is possible if you have the motivation and support behind you. Te Arawa swim squad gives you exactly that.