Not all Blacktown residents may be aware that the operations manager at their local pool is a successful triathlete.
Nichole Edsall, the operations manager of Blacktown Leisure Centre at Stanhope Gardens competes in many national and world triathlons every year.
Now in her sixth year at the centre Nichole competes in the events with her husband Mat.
She represented Australia in a challenging combination of a 1.9km swim, 90km bike ride and 21.1km run in the World Half Ironman Triathlon Championships in Florida, USA.
Nichole competed in the Western Australian competition at Busselton in late 2011 where the course consisted of a 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42.2km run.
On June 3, 2012, Nichole achieved a personal best and record time of 12 hours and 21 minutes in a 3.8 swim, 180 kilometre bike and 42.2 kilometre run.
“I am very happy to have achieved a personal best time in my second Ironman competition after experiencing technical problems with my bike,’’ she said.
‘‘Once the finish line is crossed, nothing can describe the journey to get there and the sense of personal achievement to finish.”
Nichole is now training for the Blackmore’s Sydney Running Festival in September 2012, where more than 35,000 people will take part in a range of events.
Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope is on the corner of Stanhope Parkway and Sentry Drive, Stanhope Gardens.
For more information call 9421 2600 or visit www.blcs.blacktown.nsw.gov.au.