Racing since she fell in love with the sport at age 10, McInnes already has a string of accolades as a former NIAS Lone Star Athlete and current participant in their athletics program.

The latest was an impressive win in the Open Women’s category of the second round of the Western Downs Tri Series in Oakey on January 20. The Holy Trinity student –  who was already leading the series after winning the Texas triathlon – thundered over the finish line seven minutes ahead of her nearest competitor.

“I was not that confident during the race because they split the women into two waves which made it hard to know what was going on,” McInnes admitted. Although she was leading her group, it wasn’t until the finish line she knew she’d won.

She got off to a strong start.

“I was really happy with my swim as I did the 750 meters in 12 minutes which is about my best and helped set up for a good race,” she said. 

The 20 kilometre bike ride proved a challenge, with a hot wind blowing throughout. “The wind direction meant there was a head wind when you were climbing on the bike which really took it out of you.”

Still getting used to her high geared triathlon bike, and aware that her older competitors were stronger, McInnes burned a lot of energy on the ride.

“In the end I just managed the fastest bike time in the females which made me happy. I have been riding a fair bit with the guys in the bunch from the Inverell Cycling Club and they push me hard which is helping my bike leg,” she said.

Often her strongest stage, the five kilometre run was harder than usual thanks to the exhausting ride. 

“I was just glad to finish,” McInnes admitted.

The third of the six round series is in Dalby on February 24. Although another win could “all but secure her the title,” according to NIAS, McInnes says she’s not thinking too far ahead.

“A lot of things can happen in triathlons and training,” she said.

“In round four there will be an Olympic distance (1.5km swim/40km bike/10km run) triathlon and the organisers have said there is 50% bonus points for those who race the Olympic distance instead of the sprint. I have never raced that far before so I will have to wait and see how I am going closer to the time and decide what race to enter.”

She says her goal for the series is to put into practice the skills she picked up in a NIAS training camp with ex Olympic triathlete Brendan Sexton at the beginning of the year. She also hopes to reach the podium in each race.

Just four days after Dalby is the NSW All-Schools competition in Penrith, which is one of McInnes’ biggest focuses this season.

“I was getting over injuries when I raced it last year so I am keen to give it my best shot this year,” she said.

McInnes says she loves triathlon because it is a great test of overall fitness, and as a combination of three disciplines, can be a real mental challenge.

“There are a lot of nice people in the local triathlon club and they have been really good to me. I looked up to people like Lisa Frost and she has helped me with my training and racing,” she said.

“In triathlon you can also race in some really good locations with great open water swims on the coast in towns like Kingscliff and Yamba.”

Although she adores the sport, McInnes notes that it is very difficult and competitive to reach an elite level with triathlon. She is unsure if she will pursue it for a career after school.

“You are up against other girls from triathlon academies that have daily access to specialist training. I will just keep training hard and see what opportunities might come along later on,” she said.

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