Age: 29

Country Representing: Australia

Occupation: Accountant

Marital Status/Family: Single

Is this the first time you have been to Kona?

This is my 5^th time in Kona, first time was 2006 then missed 07’ and did 08’, 09’ 10’. Every year has been a different experience, I believe last year was my best race I’ve done over there with 9h: 25min and 12^th on my AG. Best not only for the time, it also was the one where I did less mistakes. It is a very though race between the level of athletes and the weather conditions.

Where did you qualify for Kona 2011?

I Qualified in IM NZ 2011. Got 12^th overall and won my AG. 9hrs:13mins under very hard weather conditions. Was very happy at the end even though suffered lots in the last 6 kms on the run..,. I thought wouldn’t make it J

Tell us about your preparation for Hawaii.

I have just done Yeppon 70.3 for my preparation; it was good to see where I am at. Had a flat tire and was helped by another athlete to keep going. Very thankful for that, also had big cramps on the run so at least I know there is a lot of work to do for Kona J. So far no injuries. I have never prepared myself for Hawaii training in the same weather conditions as Hawaii, as I believe for me it is better, as hot weather takes a lot out of me and If I spend a few weeks training in that heat I wouldn’t make to the race J

What has a typical training week looked like for you in the lead-up to this event?

I work office hours as an Accountant, so there is not much time to train but my perfect weeks has 15kms swim, 450km bike and 80km run.. If I can hold that for 4 weeks I believe I m ready to do my best in Kona.

What excites you the most about competing at an iconic race like the Hawaii Ironman?

The atmosphere, the kindness of the Hawaiian people and the History that the race has.. Even though I do not agree in many ways how WTC manages Ironman, I still have a romantic idea of what Ironman Hawaii is!!

Is there anything about the Ironman in Hawaii that makes you really nervous?

I love to get nervous for races even though every time I have less of that feeling but what normally scares me of Kona is that terrible bike ride heading to Hawii... I have bonked there 3 of my 4 times done the race, so there is a lot of respect for the bike ride in Kona!!

What are your goals for the race?

Try to do better than my best time over there. Hopefully be able to have a consistent race...Not to walk in the energy Lab J

What are you doing to relax after the race? Are you planning on a holiday in Hawaii post Ironman?

I’ve been to Hawaii 4 times to race but I really haven’t been to Hawaii yet... Never been in Honolulu or another island of Hawaii... This year I will stay for 4 days after the race so I hope try to get to see more of Hawaii besides the Lava fields...Normally as I spend lots of time training and out of parties I try to catch up a bit in that area!! J

Tell us a little about your background?

I Come from Chile... been in AUS for 4 years now and started doing Triathlons while I was over there. As a teenager wanted to be soccer player but did not chase the dream too hard, did lots of Ski as well.

How have you managed to balance the training for Ironman with your other commitments such as work and family?

I am single at the moment, probably between work and training I do not leave much time for other things but is why I look forward to the offseason. I believe as long as you want something you will always manage the way to do it.... So far so good.

Interesting Fact:

I love the sport and I think I enjoy every second of it. Always try to set up goals and work in daily basis chasing them... I am very competitive with myself and always need to do my best for whatever I do. Not sure if is good or bad though J

Thanks for chatting to us and best of luck for the race!