1 minute read
THE KIWI CONTENDERS
by TQ.kiwi
Ainsley Thorpe
Cambridge, 25
A rare trouble free build-up enabled Thorpe to nail a season-best 6th at World Cup Tongyeong in South Korea in Oct. That triggered a Kiwi best 25th at the Worlds in Abu Dhabi. After crashing out of the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, again in a Tokoroa bike race the following May and then having her Comms Games debut thwarted by Covid, Thorpe has unfinished business.
Eva Goodisson
Havelock North, 24
Goodisson’s debut World Triathlon season went from strength to strength in 2022, highlighted by her run to 7th at World Cup Miyazaki in Oct. Did we mention run? The Havelock Norther earned a Uni of California scholarship courtesy of that prowess. A nerve issue in her back will keep Goodisson sidelined until at least World Cup NP with the Oceania standard in Port Douglas a more likely return target.
Olivia Thornbury
Dunedin, 24
With 11th at World Cup Miyazaki and silver at Asia Cup Ipoh, Thornbury ended a limited 2022 campaign on a real high. Edged by Rebecca Clarke at the Lake Dunstan Olympic Distance tri in early Jan. but has since snared the Ruby Island Swim 5km course record (33:14) and returned to Wānaka to finish 4th at the Oceania Cup opener. Great chance to continue her ascent up the NZL team pecking order.
Brea Roderick
Christchurch, 20
Ticked off her standard distance bow with aplomb, easily winning January’s hilly Canterbury Classic despite the curve-ball of extra swim distance. Back in her more familiar sprint sweet spot, Roderick was a brilliant 2nd in Wānaka behind Nicole van der Kaay to back up three World Cup starts in a 2022 campaign that included 5th at European Cup Alhandra.
Wildcards
After victories at Tinman (standard) and Surfbreaker (sprint) and 5th in Wānaka, Hannah Knighton is happy to have “old self” back. The Cambridge-based 23-year-old shapes as the surprise package of the Kiwi summer, along with Angharad Llewellyn. The 29-year-old NZ born, Walesinfused, Canberra-based Kiwi is looking forward to testing herself after her 14th at Asia Cup Ipoh.
