Cadet’s tough sporting life

Based at Clarkson Police Station, Newman (19) said he trained 13 times a week and competed in the two main distances � Olympic and half ironman.

"I�ve always been a pretty sporty person," he said. "The run would definitely be my favourite."

In the Oceania Championships in Adelaide, Newman said he finished fifth and in last year's half ironman race in Busselton, he placed second in his age group.

The northern suburbs resident said he came third in the 18 to 24 aged group for the Busselton Festival of Triathlon in April and the State Long Course Championships in May.

"My big race will be travelling to Noosa in October/November to race in the Australian Olympic Distance Championships," he said.

Newman said he had been interested in becoming a police officer since he was little because he never wanted to sit behind a desk and he liked helping people.

"It's always been a dream of mine," he said.

�It has been pretty confronting (but) at the same time what I�ve expected. You learn so much.

"The ultimate goal would be dog squad one day " they are looking for fit people.�

Newman said it was hard at times to balance the training and work.

�Getting up at 4.40am, going straight to training, then straight to work, then straight back to training after work… not getting home until 7.30pm, going straight to bed.

"(But) I have always been pretty competitive."