Posted: February 28, 2005

Triathlon: Oarsome Drew to race at Snap Ironman Australia

Committed to rowing until at least the Beijing Olympics, dual Olympic Gold Medallist Drew Ginn realised that 2005 would be his only chance in the next five years to attempt a childhood dream - to successfully complete the Snap Ironman Australia Triathlon. Therefore Ginn will be on the starting line of the 2005 Snap Ironman Australia Triathlon on Sunday April 3, at Forster-Tuncurry.

Ginn’s world-class athletic background certainly paid off, recording a very credible 4 hours 42 minutes at the recent Tasmanian Half Ironman, qualifying for Ironman Australia despite completing the swim in a surfing wetsuit and riding an old "knockabout" bike.

Although Ginn was training up to 20 hours a week for the Ironman endurance test, rowing has not been forgotten in all of this madness, and he will stroke the Victorian Men's Eight as it attempts to win back the King's Cup in the annual Interstate Regatta, which follows the national championships and will be held in Sydney on March 20.

As well as fulfilling his own dreams, Ginn is using the Snap Ironman Australia Triathlon to raise money for the K.I.D.S. Foundation Burn Survivors Network, which is the official Ironman Australia charity. The Burn Survivors Network aims to help burn survivors and their families to facilitate communication, understanding and emotional adjustment by means of sharing strength and information. The aim is quality of life beyond survival.

To sponsor Ginn’s participation in the race and support K.I.D.S. Foundation, please visit www.cleverplanet.com.au.