Queensland Olympic Council Newsletter Interview
Olympic Triathlete Courtney Atkinson talks about his recent success in the World Championships and what his plans are for the future…
PODIUM 3rd Ed 2009
1) You finished an impressive 11th at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, what were some highlights that you took away from this experience?
I think the biggest highlight from Beijing was the fact that my daughter was able to see me at an Olympic Games (even if she was too young to remember – 2 years old). We have photos of her in the village and at my race so when she grows up she will know what I did when I was younger.
2) You recently finished fifth in the ITU World Championships Series on the Gold Coast, how did you feel about your performance and this overall result?
I was probably one of the most surprised people about my result! I knew I was on an upward performance trend after a hard few months in the middle of the season, but things came back very fast and I was very competitive in maybe the fastest race in triathlon history.
4) You compete in one of the most grueling sports imaginable, can you describe your intense training schedule and how you keep physically and mentally motivated.
My schedule changes day to day….but as you would image it is a fair amount of endurance training. I actually am finding it easier year to year as I get older to stay motivated as I am enjoying the exercise. I feel awful if I don’t get out and do at least some type of exercise in the morning.
5) You have been competing on the triathlon circuit since 1996, what advice would you have for young athletes interested in pursuing a career in sport?
I am not too sure about elite sport as a whole, but when it comes to triathlon specific I would advise to know exactly what you want to achieve out of the sport. Triathlon is lucky as there are a number of different paths to go down and make a living out of like Ironman, USA circuit, European circuits and then the Olympics . You just have to know what suits you best and want you want to achieve
6) Are you aiming to compete at the 2012 London Olympic Games?
Yes. In triathlon terms I should be coming into my prime years come London. I still love racing and wouldn’t knock back the chance at another shot at the games. …“ I’m actually finding it easier year to year as I get older to stay motivated ”..
