The ultimate challenge of triathlon
Wesley College recently sponsored a member of the Old Wesley Collegians Triathlon Club, Jyotsana Gill (OW2003), on the trip of a lifetime to China. Jyotsana recently represented Australia at the Long Distance Triathlon World Championships in China, winning the bronze medal in the competition, which was "much more than what (she) was hoping for" and was "very happy". Having never raced internationally before, Jyotsana was excited by the “mental and physical challenges” it presented.
What started out as a hobby eight years ago has become a passion, Jyotsana has been competing in triathlons at a higher level in a variety of distances over the past couple of years.
During the 2013/2014 season Jyotsana began training with the Old Wesley Collegians Triathlon Club under the coaching of Emma Carney (OW1989). She says, “It's been wonderful training with a club and I look forward to Emma's support over the next season”.
Jyotsana has always competed in sprint and olympic distances, however over the past two years she moved onto half ironman races. During the 2013/14 season her major events were the Gatorade triathlon series, Challenge Melbourne and Sufferfest, she is proud to say she “finished on the podium for a number of events”.
Other major races in the coming season include Western Sydney 70.3, Auckland 70.3 and then Ironman Melbourne 2015. Jyotsana says “Completing a full ironman has always been on my bucket list, and with my performances to date I'm looking forward to my first and many to come!”
"Well, I'm the bronze medallist of the 2014 long course triathlon World Championships age 25-29! I’m extremely proud of my effort on the day, my medal, but most of all the hours of training and my commitment over the past few months. It's been a wonderful journey, and it's those hours that make the race successful, regardless of the outcome.
On the day I felt great. I woke up, heart rate pumping and eager to get started. The distance was 4km swim, 120km bike, 20km run. I had a great swim; it was a wonderful flat, clean, two lap course of a sheltered bay.
On the other hand, the bike was frightening - three laps of an undulating route with a few very solid climbs, but I survived and was incredibly happy to have my feet on the ground when it came to the four lap run. By this stage it was hot, but I made I made it through, catching some of my competitors and winding up to 3rd position.
Competing at an international event is a fantastic experience. There's no way to describe the pride you feel strolling around in the Australian uniform, and it's not until you arrive and experience the buzz of everybody there from their respective countries that you really understand the wonderful position you're in. Australia had outstanding results at the event, I believe we took out more medals than any other country which shows our strength and ability in the sport. The amazing thing about sport is its ability to bring a broad range of people together. I was particularly inspired by the breadth of age - people between 19 and 64 were competing. It gives me hope that I can take part in this wonderful sport for years to come!"
Wesley College congratulates Jyotsana on all her sporting achievements and looks forward to following her triathlon and ironman career over the coming season.
