Madi Roberts has much more on her mind than the HSC this year.
As a triathlete, the 17-year-old faces treacherous seas, wisping mountains and can run like the wind. Nothing seems to get in the way of this pint-sized teen.
Madi is in Western Australia this week to participate in the Australian National Triathlon Cham-pionship. She scored a place in the Championship after competing in the NSW All Schools Triathlon in Penrith on Wednesday, March 7. To qualify for the National Championships, competitors had to place in the top six in the All Schools Triathlon; and the Port Macquarie rising star came fifth in the Senior division.
Madi is now in Brusselton, three hours from Perth, preparing to compete in the National Championships this week.
The championships come after a whirlwind of successful events including the Camden Haven Triathlon, where she was the first female across the line with an outstanding time of 1:31:47. In Mudgee earlier this year, she also placed first, as well as securing a bronze medal in the Port Macquarie Triathlon. In South West Rocks, Madi broke free of the pack to claim third place in the Jailbreak Ocean Swim.
In February, Madi received the Wayne Richards Sporting Talent Grant, which offers financial support for Hastings-based athletes. One requirement of the grant is that applicants must demonstrate achievement at a State, National or International level in their chosen sport; Madi is well on her way already. The grant’s financial support has allowed for Madi to fly to Perth and compete at national level.
Madi said the running leg of the Triathlon was her biggest strength and she hoped to place in the top 15 at the National Championship. If her past achievement is anything to go by, she will be one to watch.
Madi is looking forward to competing locally in Port’s Half Ironman on October 28, two weeks after she turns 18. Port’s Half Ironman includes a 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and 21km run. Madi Roberts is expanding her horizon, and, who knows, maybe we will see her in the 2016 Olympics.
Story: Kayla Stephenson
