Starting a new sport can be a great way to meet new people and achieve some personal goals. Deciding you want to pursue athletic goals is another even greater step. When you opt to chase higher performance there are typically a series of steps to go through. Different people may find the point where they are happy. The current commitments allow them to achieve what they want. Others are driven to world beating levels of success.
We spoke to three leading athletes, who pursue their sport at their chosen level. First up is Naomi Hansen, who has raced the ABSA Cape Epic four times, the Crocodile Trophy, the Transalp, Tour de Timor and numerous Marathon races in Australia – all as an amateur athlete.
Naomi Hansen: Subaru-MarathonMTB.com Team – Elite Amateur
Naomi Hansen climbs towards the Passo Gallo on Stage 5 at the Craft Bike Transalp. Photo: Sportograf
1.What prompted your start in competitive cycling, and was it straight into MTB?
Honestly, I did a few races and I did ok so I thought why not do some training and see what happens. I was involved in a nasty commuter road accident (I was hit by a car) in 2003 so my mum banned me riding on the road – so mountain biking it was!
2.What sort of involvement has your national federation had in your progress?
National federation? No involvement at all.
3.How quickly did your move to competitive cycling lead to gaining a level of sponsorship?
This is the first year I have really had a level of sponsorship that helped with racing expenses other than bike related expenses. Previously I have had support with bike costs, labour costs and the occasional free product or individual race support but nothing as structured as this year with Subaru-MarathonMTB.com
How high do you want to climb in Marathon racing?
4.Did your initial sponsorship involve a support structure for attending races, or with training and preparation? Or was it something that developed with time?
Definitely developed with time as I spent more time competing in a variety of races, and meeting people.
5.With a higher level of support, has it been a positive motivator, or does it ever feel like extra stress with greater expectations?
It is definitely a positive motivator as the last thing I would ever want is to disappoint my supporters. There is extra stress but I think is self inflicted, wanting to perform and get results.
6. No doubt there are still lessons you learn each race, or each season. What are some of the most valuable things you have learnt about your training, recovery or racing as your career has progressed?
Eating is very important, organization is paramount and always act in a professional manner as you are an ambassador for both the sport and your sponsors.
8.With where you are now, in terms of support, is it allowing you to achieve your sporting goals? And what are the goals you still want to achieve?
I started in the sport late so my goals are somewhat realistic and I am fortunate to have a team to support me as much as Subaru-MarathonMTB.com. My goal in racing is always to enjoy and race as best as I can every time.
Podium time – sacrifices are worthwhile when you get to join the winners circle.
In the next two interviews, we will talk to Catherine Williamson of the bizhub Team, and Sally Bigham from Topeak-Ergon about their position in the sport, and how they got there.