Athlete in Profile
Gary Blake

Here is a little history as to how and why I got into Tri's.

Some 6 years ago after the birth of my child Nesceda (who was later diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome - a form of Autism) I realised, at the age of 52 I had to ensure my health and fitness improved so that I was around for my daughter as she grew up and beyond. I started bike riding, running and swimming as a means and did my first Brooks Tri in 2003. In February 2004 I severely injured my back which resulted in 3 bulging discs with one herniated, this stopped me until later that year, however, I maintained limited training.

Thanks to outstanding remedial massage from my regular masseuse Anne-Maree McBean and good medical advice I was able to compete in 9 sprint distance triathlons and the Australian Olympic Distance Triathlon last season.

In April this year I started serious training with both Ollie Allen from the Tri-Alliance Group and my running coach, former Olympian and Olympic coach Tony Benson. Set backs during this year have been a double hernia operation, severely sore hamstrings and gluteus muscle and Achilles bursitis. Despite all these ailments I managed to get to the starting line for my first Half Ironman at Shepparton.

Only one entry place was available to qualify for the Australian Ironman Championships in Port Macquarie and I achieved this by coming third in my age group. The first 2 place getters had already qualified. My time of 5hours 53mins was 7 minutes under my goal time of 6 hours.

Thanks to the inspiration from my beautiful little daughter, my very supportive wife Louise, great coaches and a great support team of fellow athletes, my masseuse and physio hopefully I can use the Australian Championship to qualify for my ultimate goal - to compete in the Hawaiian Ironman in October 2006.

Now for the boring bits - but you may as well know -
On the employment side of things I am an accountant by qualification but operate as a Mortgage and Finance Broker. I have run my own businesses since 1978 and my current businesses - The Australian Mortgage Network and New Century Home Loans for the past 9 years.
Interests (other than training and Tri’s) include - Classical music (spent 4 years at Conservatorium of Music Melbourne studying Piano), Ragtime Piano Playing, Snow skiing, People, Fine Wine and Dining and most of all - LIFE.