Ever since falling in love with competitive sport at the age of 12, Anneke Jenkins has had her sights set on becoming the best. "Every day I am working on making myself stronger, fitter and faster, to be the best I can be," says the triathlete.
Based in Spain, the 2016 Rio Olympic Games hopeful's competitive nature and "never give up" attitude has seen her train and compete all over the world, winning the elite ITU Aquathlon World Championships in Edmonton, Canada, just last year. That's despite falling seriously ill a few years ago with chronic fatigue syndrome. "I realised that you can't do anything without your health and that is when I focused on the basics like eating well, sleeping and getting healthy before anything else."
Anneke shares her top tips to get to the top, and how she turned her hobby into a job she loves.
As a teenager, what did you want to be when you grew up?
For as long as I can remember I have wanted to be an elite athlete and compete for my country. The Olympics have been my biggest dream since I was young.
How did you get to where you are today?
I have been focused on competing at the Olympic Games since I was about 12 when I fell in love with competitive sport, specifically swimming. Chronic fatigue syndrome ended my swimming career but after two years of recovery I found a new love, by accident, in triathlon. The aerobic fitness from swimming helped a lot. The tough part has been adapting to the impact of running after the complete lack of impact from being weightless in water. I have had some amazing opportunities to get to where I am today but taking those opportunities hasn't always been easy and I have worked really hard to get here. Saying that, I still have a long way to go. I also wouldn't have been able to do it without all the support I get from major sponsors such as Asteron Life and my friends and family.
At what point did you decide to turn your passion into a career?
I don't think I really ever "decided". I never agreed to quit swimming but I was so unwell for such a long time it just wasn't realistic anymore. Triathlon came about by chance when I entered an event for fun; my competitive drive took over and it just happened. And I loved it. Sport and being active has always been my passion. Through school I played every sport I could. At one point I was playing nine sports. I love what sport is, I love being outdoors and pushing my body to the limit. For this to be my career makes me incredibly lucky to do what I love every day but I don't remember there being a point where I turned this into my day job. It evolved into my day job, and I'm so happy it did.
What does your typical day entail?
We train 3-4 times per day, in all three sports plus gym-based strength/conditioning work and stretching. A normal day would start out with a fuel-filled breakfast. I usually have oats with fruit and yoghurt and sometimes eggs too. We will swim 4-6km (about 1h 30m), have a quick snack, then ride for 2 hours or about 50-60km. Lunch will be lean meats, good whole carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables. After lunch we rest to be ready for the second half of the day. I try to get a 45-60-minute nap in because it makes a big difference. About 5:30pm we do a run session, usually running about 8-12km.
If it's a day where I don't run I would do a second swim or do a cross-trainer session in the gym. Then the last session will be 1-2 hours in the gym mixing core and glute exercises to prevent injuries, some more strength work and then finish with stretching. Some days I add in physio treatment or massage, which is great to prevent injuries too.
Is study or going to university worthwhile in your field?
Yes, absolutely. Study is really important to keep the mind active and give you a break from training although juggling the two is incredibly difficult. I have studied papers in sports science (to learn about my sport and the human body to do well myself) and I have a diploma in graphic design and photography, which is my second passion.
If you weren't doing this, what would you do?
Graphic design, probably in advertising and marketing. I would like to further my study and specialise in an area of design. But it all depends on my sports career and how long it lasts. Other doors may open up and I may do something completely different. But my passion for art, design and photography will always be there, as a hobby or future career.
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Advertise with NZME.Are you training for anything specific at the moment? What are your goals and dreams?
Every race in 2015 gets me closer to the opportunity to represent New Zealand at the Rio Olympics in 2016. I can't change what others do, or how fast they go in a race, but I am just trying to get myself fitter and stronger every day to be the best I can be.
Your best advice for young people wanting to break into your field?
Enjoy it, get out there and do as much as you can. Find your local triathlon club and experience the triathlon 'family' (it's often recognised as one of the friendliest sporting communities). My top tip? Don't get too serious too soon. I am a very intense person and have underperformed due to the pressure that I put on myself.
Best and worst parts about your job?
Best: Getting to see so many different parts of the world, being active and outdoors.
Worst: Being away from New Zealand for so much of the year, plus injury and illness. These evils can stop you suddenly and it could all be over, or at least make training very difficult. Staying injury-free and healthy is always the number one goal, but pushing the limits means you are never far from the line.
Three top tips for success in your industry?
1. Be adaptable.
2. Have faith that great days will follow bad days.
3. There is no secret formula - it's just hard work, consistency and commitment.
