Annabel White Athlete Ambassador

Annabel is an Australian triathlete who competed on home turf at the World Championships on the Gold Coast in 2018. She talks to Sundried about life as a triathlete. 

Have you always been into sport?

Yes I have. For as long as I can remember I have always been part of a sporting team or club and always did every sport possible at school.

What made you decide to enter the world of triathlon?

In grade 12 I decided I had reached my peak in swimming and wanted to try something new. My school had a triathlon program so I thought I’d give it a try because I could still use my swimming background but also develop some new skills.

What has been your favourite race to date and why?

Probably Noosa (Queensland, Australia) in 2017. It was an amazing location and so many people were there! It made it such an enjoyable event plus it is such an iconic race it was so great to be apart of it!

And your proudest achievement?

Being selected to race at the U23 Triathlon World Championships on the Gold Coast this year. I have always wanted to race in the Australian colours so I got to do that, plus having my first world championships race at home was one I’ll never forget.

What's been your toughest race yet?

Probably the World Championships this year. I had less than ideal preparation due to getting quite sick before the race. It definitely wasn’t my best race, I felt quite lethargic but I finished and it is certainly a race I learnt a lot from.

How do you overcome setbacks?

I normally have a sit down with my coach and we come up with a plan on how to move forward so I can achieve my next goal as quickly as possible while staying healthy.

What advice do you wish you'd been given before you started competing?

Not to try and swim through dumping waves, coming from the pool it had taken a bit to navigate the ocean.

What are your goals for 2019?

Definitely re-qualify for World Championships in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Who do you take inspiration from?

Watching the leaders of the WTS series, they have so much experience racing and watching them overcome challenges in races and still come out with a result is something that I really look up to and try to take on board.

What do you like about Sundried and what’s your favourite bit of our kit?

I really like that it is ethically produced and the high quality it is made from, plus it looks good and is comfortable! I really like the running vests, they are simple, light and fit well so running is comfortable.