FOUR years ago Josh Hockley could not swim 25 metres, which made competing in his first triathlon a challenge.
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But hard work, a lot of training, and dedication to the sport he has fallen in love has paid off for the Cooranbong man who will compete in the Ironman 70.3 World Championship on the Sunshine Coast in September.
And standing right beside him at the world championship, not on the sidelines but in the race, will be his wife, Krystle. Both of the Hockley’s have earned a spot in the world championship half Ironman event, a feat they are proud of.
“It was quite difficult to qualify for this year because the world championship is being held in Australia,” Krystle said. “All the Australians are out trying to earn a spot, so we’re pretty stoked to get in.”
To qualify for the world championship a competitor must place in the top three of their age group in a half Ironman event held throughout the year. Josh qualified for the men’s 30-34 age group in October 2015 and Krystle, in the women’s 30-34 age group, in November.
The pair just returned from an Ironman, held in Port Macquarie at the weekend, where Krystle produced a personal best finish of five hours to place fifth in her age group. Josh finished fourth in four hours and 26 minutes, which he believed could have been better if his bike did not get a flat tyre in the race.
About 30 hours a week is dedicated to training, including swimming sessions in Newcastle.
“We’re so grateful for Lake Macquarie,” Krystle said. “In our opinion, it’s the best place to train for triathlons; there’s so much available to us.”
The Hockley’s said they were also grateful for the better quality of life they feel triathlons have given them.
“The big thing for me is spending time with Josh doing something we both love,” Krystle said.
“When we head into Newcastle for a training session, that’s 45 minutes we’re in the car together talking. We’re able to do that while being fit and active together.”
Josh agreed, but said that achieving the perfect race also motivated him.
“You never a master a race, you’ll always come away thinking about what you can do better,” he said. “So, you’re always searching to better yourself in little ways.”
