Name: Maureen Bronjes (aka Moz)

Club: ADF Triathlon Club and VikingsTriathlon Club

Achievement: 2016 Triathlon ACT Technical Official of the Year Finalist

How many years in triathlon: 9 years

Age Category: 50-54

Occupation: ADF - Army

What inspired you to take up triathlon?

I was challenged by my (then) partner back in 2006, who competed in Ironman’s and who explained to me there was only the Olympic or IM distances which true triathletes compete in, so I decided to secretly start training with a personal trainer for an Olympic Distance (OC).  Just two months into my training I was deposed to East Timor for 6 months.  It was at this time my partner said I could never train for my first OD in 6months, let alone whilst deployed with the Army.

In short, to prove him wrong, I trained for 6 months during my deployment with only being able to run and cycle(with weapon), with one beach swim (with a security guard).  I arrived home a week before the Mooloolaba OD, which I chose as my first Tri, which I competed in with a Sub 3hr.  I was proud of myself for the challenge, my partner was no longer, yet we are still very good friends and he provides me training programs knowing how I can train anywhere.

In addition to being a competitor, I then wanted to give back to a sport that gave me so much fun that I became aTechnical Official (TO) whilst living in Canberra.

Being a TO is an experience I love and here is what inspires me to be a better competitor.

What is your favourite training session? 

I love running around Lake BurleyGriffin, yet love cycling out of Canberra to Lake George.  Though I’m far from fast these days, I love distance training.

What is the toughest challenge you have had to face in life and how did you overcome it?

My toughness challenge is what my career brings to me after several deployments to various areas and I overcome such experiences by distance training. It brings clear perspective on life for me as I enter a zone that is only me, my thoughts, my memories and eventually my resolution that I’m extremely lucky.

What advice would you give to a first time triathlete?

Choose an event then never worry about that day until it comes, enjoy the journey getting there and when your day arrives, be proud you got there and at the end, know that you did something you wanted to achieve.  Then step to the next one and so on.  It’s an addictive sport regardless of your reasons for starting, you just want to keep going as each event gives you different challenges and the journey in training takes you to your goal.

What do you love about triathlon the most?

The challenges, complete strangers who come together for the same goal to compete and the feeling that everyone has that proud moment, huge smile, sense of relief when they cross that finishline and it’s being watch by family, friends and complete strangers cheering you to your finish.

Who do you think is the most influential person in the world and why?

My adult children as they have been with me through all my challenges. They have been the influence as to the person I’ve become. Life is ever changing and they are the stability in my life. 

What is unique about triathlon that is different to any other sport?

The workings of three elements whencombined provides a wealth of satisfaction.

If you could change something about triathlon, what would you do?

I wouldn’t necessarily change anything in Triathlon; however, understanding the ‘The Marathon Project’ operating here in Canberra ACT, and my posting to Darwin NT, it would be wonderful if Triathlon Australia had a similar sponsored program for under privileged aboriginals and Australian children to give them a sense of belonging to a community where goals, challenges and responsibilities are required to achieve the ultimate feeling of person success.

TheIndigenous Marathon Foundation @ The Marathon Project

Favourite:

1.Movie – Under the TuscanSun (I’m a girly)
2. Food –
3. Race – Little Husky (OD)
4. Athlete – Cadel Evans
5. Place to train – Darwin NT