Media Release: Christchurch Local set to Represent NZ at World Tri Champs

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Twenty-nine year old Debi Hazelden is off to Budapest in September to represent New Zealand at the 2010 World Triathlon Champs – but she needs Canterbury’s help to get there!

Debi was selected to represent New Zealand after winning her age group event at the National Triathlon Sprint Championships in Kinloch in February – just three months after she started formally training with a coach.

“I have been around social sports since I was a teenager and have entered running events, triathlons, duathlons and ocean swims – but I would only ever do enough training to keep fit enough to compete.

“I love triathlons and the feeling of accomplishment you get when you cross the finish line. After competing in a few events last year, I made the decision that triathlon was something that I really wanted to put all my effort into. I wanted to give it a real go and see how far it could take me.

“I started training with my coach, Graham Park, in December, and my training has gone from six hours a week to between 13 and 20 hours a week. It’s already paying off with some real improvements – as well as qualifying for the World Champs.”

Debi qualified for both the Sprint and Olympic distances at the World Championships, and this year she will be competing in the sprint distance event – a 750 metre swim, 20 kilometre bike and five kilometre run.

“My goal is to win Gold in Budapest. This is the first time that I have ever represented New Zealand and it’s a huge honour. I’m determined to aim high and I’ll be doing my very best to achieve that goal.”

Debi says the only obstacle to getting to the World Championships and achieving her goal is a financial one, and she’s asking for help from Canterbury residents and businesses to help her get to Budapest.

“The total cost of getting to the World Championships is $6000. I have already raised $2360 – a third of what I need – thanks to the generous support of friends, family and sponsors, and the odd sausage sizzle!”

Debi has set up this website where people can follow her progress and donate to her World Championships fund.

“Every single dollar counts and I’m grateful for all the support I can get. I am determined that I’ll make Canterbury – and New Zealand – proud.”

Debi is competing in a number of duathlon events around Christchurch over the coming months, including the Christchurch SBS Half Marathon earlier this month. She will also be competing in the New Zealand Duathlon Championships in Christchurch in August.

Article written by Jacky James (www.ironjack.co.nz)