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Former Cecil Andrews High student ready for Ironman 70.3 World Champs

Francis CurroComment News

PROFESSIONAL triathlete Renee Baker says she feels privileged and lucky to have qualified for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship.

The championship will be held in Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast this year on September 4 and it has been Baker’s goal to reach them for more than a year.

Baker, who grew up in Armadale and attended Cecil Andrews Senior High School, will compete against about 40 of the world’s best females in Ironman 70.3 – a 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and a 21km run.

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Baker said the secret to getting to the world championships was hard work.

“I have had some great races and some not so great races. I have worked really hard for the last few years,” she said.

“To qualify for the world champs is the pinnacle in my sport.

“I feel very privileged and lucky.”

Pro athletes are ranked in the top five performances through the year via a points system.

As part of the world championships, Baker will come up against the world’s best including taking on champion Daniela Ryf.

“I have no pressure on me so it is about going out there and being as competitive as I can. For me this race is about experience,” Baker said.

“I have raced these girls before, but not on a stage this big.”

She said she had been working hard on her swim and completely changed her stroke and had been turning the heat and humidity up in the training lab to prepare for the hot conditions on the Sunshine Coast.

“The course is undulating on the bike and run,” she said.

“This will suit me on the bike most definitely.”