Three St Mary’s alumni qualify for Ironman 70.3 World Champs
WAVERLEY – Hurlingham resident Hadfield said she was delighted to be given the opportunity to race and compete at this world championship event.
Three St Mary’s Waverley alumni have qualified to compete in the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Utah in September.
Mandy Mundell (Class of 2008), Carla Hadfield (Class of 2010) and Lucy Young (Class of 2012) completed the Durban Ironman 70.3 event in June in which they qualified for the world championship event.
Hurlingham resident Hadfield said she was delighted to be given the opportunity to race and compete at this world championship event.
“It’s a bit surreal to have qualified if I’m honest. I knew I was fit and strong enough to be competitive leading up to the race, but it’s just such a long event you can never be too sure or too confident on how the day will turn out. Luckily, for me it all came together in the end,” added Hadfield.
Having grown up doing rowing and hockey, Hadfied said she enjoyed being part of a team. Now, as a working professional, that type of commitment was not always possible.
“With triathlon, however, the individual nature of it allows you to get in your training at times that best suit you whilst still being supported by a large community of similar minded people all offering support and guidance along the way.”
She said the combination of the three disciplines kept the training varied and interesting, motivating her to wake up at 4:30 for training sessions.
Hadfield said her goal was to leave everything she had on the table.
“That way, when you reflect, you can only be proud of your performance. Knowing you did what you could, no matter the outcome.”
Melrose Estate resident Mundell said though it would be a dream come true to participate in the world championships, the outbreak of Covid-19, application for visas and mandatory quarantine period make her attendance at the event impractical.
Reflecting on the sport, Mundell said, “Completing triathlons has certainly been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done, not just physically, but mentally and socially as well. It has been a privilege forming bonds with like-minded people from whom I have learnt so much.”
Young had not responded with comment by the time of going to print.
Director of sport at St Mary’s Jill Quicke, known as Quix, described the three women as disciplined and committed team members.
“We trust that some of the work ethic and sustained commitment foundation was laid at St Mary’s, and that they are enjoying their success and sense of achievement,” said Quix.
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