PORT Macquarie’s triathlon queen Mel Cockshutt busted her mind and her body to claim the 2018 Jervis Bay Long Course on October 21.
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She was crowned female champion after, at 44 years of age, selecting the hardest possible route at the event.
It was a surprise to the veteran of triathlons, given she has only recently recovered from health issues that stunted her training and lifestyle.
"I'm sore, which is a bit sad. I'm getting older (but) it's been a wonderful weekend,” she said.
Competitors have a choice to either swim, bike or run, or do all three. Cockshutt decided not only to do all three but to compete in the full distance for each discipline.
“That makes you a 'special athlete' and you're kind of get the red carpet treatment,” she said.
It becomes a very intellectual, physical and mental challenge.
- Mel Cockshutt
“I don't regret it. I love those distances and I hope I can go again next year."
An international event that they brought to Australia in 2017, Cockshutt competed last year and thoroughly enjoyed the format that allows athletes to complete the distance over the course of a weekend.
“I love that I have to think about not only racing but recovery and nutrition. It becomes a very intellectual, physical and mental challenge,” she said.
“In the end I think it was my cycling that won it.”
Matt Attard
I was raised in Port Macquarie and consider myself a true Port local. I'm a die-hard rugby league fan and don't mind taking a photo or two. I'd love to hear from you, so please contact me at any time.
I was raised in Port Macquarie and consider myself a true Port local. I'm a die-hard rugby league fan and don't mind taking a photo or two. I'd love to hear from you, so please contact me at any time.
