Triathlete twins triumph

It’s the second time Michelle has qualified, after competing in the 2011 event, but it is a first for Katy who missed out on three previous attempts after being hit by cars on two occasions.

The 27-year-old sisters qualified at separate events earlier this year ” Katy at the Asia-Pacific Ironman Championships in Melbourne and Michelle at Ironman Australia in Port Macquarie.

Katy said she was ‘pumped’ to be competing alongside her sister because when she watched Michelle race at the world championships two years ago she was gutted.

‘We are in the best position to shake things up in Hawaii since we will be training with each other and pushing each other to the limit,’ Katy said.

‘It all starts now; 12 to 14 training sessions a week, 15 hours per week, shared between running, riding, swimming and the gym.’

Michelle said that the last time she raced in Hawaii most of her training was done alone through winter, so she was looking forward to having Katy there to help her push through the cold mornings.

‘Training through the wind, rain, icy-cold and mostly dark conditions is so much easier if you have someone else out there with you,’ Michelle said.

‘Most of all, I am looking forward to race day.

‘Crossing paths with Katy throughout the race will definitely ease the pain and take my mind off the heat, wind, hills, and distance yet to go.’

Katy said that in Hawaii they would be competing against the best athletes in the sport and going up against the toughest conditions.

‘If you can get your nutrition right, and let your body do what you have trained it to do, I expect both of us to race really well,’ Katy said.

‘In saying that, over a 10-hour race, anything can happen.’

Michelle said she anticipated a close race between the two of them.

‘It’s a matter of listening to your body and running your own race,’ Michelle said.

‘I think of us as more of a team when training; however, when it comes to racing on the big stage it is every athlete for themselves.’