Being fit has always been a big part of who I am. My parents were very supportive of my sports, so I grew up in Australia playing basketball and netball competitively. After we got married at 27, my partner and I chose an unusual path. We spent five years riding our bikes across Europe and Asia, taking on different jobs along the way, all in the name of adventure. We were able to really see each place we went to while staying active the whole time by riding our bikes.
When I was in my mid-thirties, I went back to Australia with a baby girl who was only four weeks old. Not long after that, I became a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor. Then I had my second daughter. Health and wellness have always meant a lot to me, and getting a formal education helped me help others reach their fitness goals. My love for it grew quickly, and I started training and competing in events that pushed both my body and mind.
I have done a lot of triathlons, marathons, long-distance cycling events, and even bodybuilding and weightlifting competitions in the last 40 years. My focus has changed to Hyrox since functional and hybrid fitness have become more popular. I just finished my fourth race at the age of 71 and won it, which qualified me for the 2026 World Championships in Stockholm. In the Hyrox standings, I am also ranked fourth in the world right now.
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1. I promise to train in a hybrid way all year long.
Over time, my training style has changed, but hybrid training has always been at the heart of it. This method combines strength training with cardiovascular training to improve overall performance. I work out six days a week, switching between Hyrox-based group classes and traditional strength training. I often do supersets at the gym that mix upper- and lower-body exercises like hamstring curls, leg extensions, dumbbell rows, chest presses, and pull-ups.
Hyrox-style classes focus on movements that are specific to each race, such as the ski erg, sled pushes, farmer’s carries, and walking lunges. I won’t compromise on technique, and I always make sure to use the right form, whether I’m training alone or with my teammates. I still love cycling, and on weekends I often ride 80 to 100 kilometers at a time.
2. I eat whole foods without any limits.
I eat a lot of whole foods that are colorful and different. I often eat fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats. Some of the foods I eat most often are eggs, salmon, chicken, sweet potatoes, and brown rice. For me, nutrition is more about eating than following rules.
It’s important to have balance. I really like food and love trying new restaurants and bakeries with my partner, so I never go without. I eat dessert when I want to. I don’t stick to a strict diet or keep track of my macros. Instead, I eat what I want when I want it and enjoy good food without feeling guilty.
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3. Stretching every day is a must.
Daily stretching is important because of how hard the training is. At least 10 minutes of mobility and flexibility work are done at the end of each workout. I do stretches that work on my back, legs, shoulders, chest, and arms, as well as movements that are good for my joints.
Stretching is an important part of staying healthy as you get older and lowers the risk of injury. Being flexible and having a wide range of motion lets me move quickly and do powerful, controlled movements during training and competition.
4. I change and push through problems
My path to fitness has never been straight. I have had injuries, illnesses, and hard times over the years, but each one has made me stronger. These experiences have made me appreciate what my body can do even more.
I hurt my hamstring just a few weeks before my last Hyrox race in Chicago. I didn’t give up; instead, I changed my training, worked closely with a physical therapist, and paid close attention to what my body was telling me. I couldn’t run as fast as I wanted to on race day, but I finished the event with gratitude and determination. There will always be problems, but I strongly believe that going through hard times makes you stronger.
5. I Live Fitness as a Way of Life
People often ask me how I’ve been able to stick with working out for so long. The answer is easy: I make fitness a part of my life. I don’t see movement as a chore or a short-term goal; I really enjoy it. Being around people who are supportive and motivated has helped me keep this way of thinking.
The gym is now a big part of my life. It’s where I get stronger, spend time with friends, and take care of my body and mind. I feel more motivated than ever at 71. I am very thankful for the discipline, challenges, and support that have helped me along the way, from biking across continents to competing on global Hyrox stages for Australia. Fitness isn’t a goal; it’s a way of life.
