COVER FEATURE
room. A supreme athlete competing in one of the toughest endurance sports on the planet who has never lost her connection to those around her. An uncompromising competitor who gave her all during every race and training session but once the race was done simply wants to be one of the girls and get out there and have fun. She is that rarest of people – a throwback to an era when competition was fierce but friends were made for life through that same competition.
My Favourites Movie – “How to Lose a Guy in 10 days” – I saw it when I was single and remembered it all. TV – Sex and the City – I want to have my Carrie Bradshaw moment in a shoe shop.
title at 21. Denis Cotterell worked with me on my swimming while Pat was a tough taskmaster. He never promised anything or gave me a compliment. Real old school coaching which I didn’t mind because it suited me and made me work harder. He did say something when I was 18 which I still carry with me. He said I was the only person he had ever trained who reminded him of Karla Gilbert. He was everything I could have wanted in a coach. His mantra was that if anyone said anything mean about you it was because they were worried about you. I never cried, got upset or missed a session – I simply wanted to be as good as I could be.” It’s difficult to get Courtney to give herself any praise for her multiple accomplishments but, when pushed, she gives a thoughtful answer about what makes her such an extraordinary athlete. “Dedication and training hard of course but lots of people have that although I do feel that I have a real connection to the ocean. The biggest thing besides that is I am so grateful for everything – catching a bomb wave, hard training sessions, competing – in essence it is living in the moment.” Away from the water she loves dressing up and going out. “I don’t have much time for shopping in stores but I’m a demon on-line. Any opportunity to wear heels and I’m there,” she laughed. “I tell my coaches that high heels are 18 GOLD COAST • PANACHE Magazine
good for my calves. Whatever the occasion I want to be the best version of myself.” That philosophy will also apply to life after competing. “I have quite a few things in mind which I don’t want to reveal as yet but if everything goes to plan I will have a wide variety of interests to keep me occupied. That includes mentoring and training future athletes and helping anyone I can to be a better version of themselves. Ironwoman racing has been a long, beautiful chapter in my life but I know it has to end at some point so there are things being put in place now.” Which brings us to her fiancé Nick Buchanan. “We have been together for six years now and just before Christmas he proposed on the beach (where else) and I of course said ‘Yes!’ He is such a beautiful man – tall, dark and handsome – with a great soul. We first met at the Noosa Triathlon Festival and he approached me but I, and every other woman in the room, had already noticed him. He is so humble and has no idea how good looking he is but Nick is my forever. I truly think we were fated to be together and lots of my friends have said the same thing which is lovely to hear.” Wedding plans are still to be finalised but they have found each other and will live happily ever after. How do you sum up Courtney? Tall, beautiful and with a physical presence, aura and mega-watt smile that fills a
Drink – Amaretto Sour – Amaretto, aromatic bitters, egg white for the froth and fresh lemon juice. Meal – Chicken Parmy - I am a good Aussie girl. Coffee shop – This will surprise people but I don’t drink it. I would order a banana smoothie instead. Dream destination – New York
