Tough women of Busselton set for WA challenge

The women of Busselton Triathlon Club are all set to represent Busselton in next weekend’s Sunsmart Ironman WA .

The 4km swim, 180km bike and 42km run course will kick off on Sunday, December 7.

Cate Finlay, Jacinta Wright, Jane Hardy, Peta McAuliffe, Kat Rafferty and Catherine Talbot are grateful for the support they received from fellow club members in their training.

McAuliffe said, as a teacher and health and wellness co-ordinator at Vasse Primary School, she felt she was a positive role model by participating in community events that promote physical health.

“This is my fourth Ironman and I’ve had many hours on the bike to appreciate our wonderful South West backyard, ” she said.

First-timer Wright has competed in eight half Ironman events but her home-town Ironman WA would be her first full-length course. “I am looking forward to the atmosphere on the course on the day, and the experience of crossing the finish line after completing an event that is both extremely physically and mentally challenging, ” she said. Rafferty, who is also completing her first full Ironman, said she was inspired by all the girls she trained with who believed in her.

“(Ironman) can be a solo and lonely sport but the training, and of course the coffee after, with friends is by far the most enjoyable part, ” she said.

Talbot will compete in her seventh Ironman and is on course to make it 10 in 10 years.

She said the finish shoot made it all worthwhile.

Finlay, who has done several half Ironmans and several full Ironman events, recently competed in the Hawaiian World IM Championships.

“I’m looking forward to hearing those famous words ‘you are an ironman’,” she said.

Hardy will compete in her fourth Ironman and is hoping to get into the top 10 for her age group.

(Ironman) can be a solo and lonely sport but the training, and of course the coffee after, with friends is by far the most enjoyable part. - Kat Rafferty

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