Elly, first of all congratulations for your victory in Arona. How can you tell us about your race?
The race was Very scenic! The course was so pretty and I had to keep reminding myself that I was actually racing! I swam comfortably and then pushed hard on the flat section of the bike. I had issues with my gears and i was stuck in hardest gear for most of the bike. I am no mechanic so just decided My main goal was to just finish the bike leg and run as well as i could.. The run was tough as my legs were tired from Antwerp the week before, but all the support on the course really helped me keep pushing until the finish.

Winning AronaMen, you preserved the Aussie tradition started last year by Belinda Granger. All the more reason to be happy, isn’t it?

Yes! Belinda is a good friend and we race together a lot, Aussie girls are strong so its nice to keep the tradition going. Next year hopefully there will be more Aussies in Arona!

You have been training in Italy for several months. What about this decision of choosing our country to train?

I have always wanted to come to Italy, I enjoyed the racing and training and people and food so much I kept extending my stay! The weather is perfect also.

What can you say about your experience in Italy, both from a professional and personal point of you?

The races here have a great atmosphere and the organizers and other athletes are so helpful and supportive. It makes my life here a lot more enjoyable! The races are in beautiful locations but the bike courses can be very tough. Personally, I love the laid back and relaxed lifestyle in Italy, I am trying to improve my Italian so that next year I can communicate a lot better and get to know people a lot better. This year I have learnt a lot and there is still so much of Italy I would like to see and experience.

You have a background in swimming and surf life saving and rugby. What made you turn to triathlon?

I did an Olympic distance race for fun when i was early 20's.. I borrowed a bike and was so sore I couldn't sit down for a week afterwards but i loved it so much! I really loved racing, and 2 years later I qualified for world championships for Olympic distance and the year after I came 4th in my age group in Hawaiian Ironman at 23. It all happened so fast and before I knew it I was a triathlete! There is always improvements to be made. Even now I enjoy that feeling of making improvements in races or training. Its a fun sport- many friends, good people, travel and fun times.

The world of triathlon seems to be also a big family, where triathletes support each others, joining competiveness to real friendship. Do you agree with this statement?
Yes, I totally agree.. Most of my best friends back in Australia I have met through triathlons. People of all ages can something in common and here in Italy I have seen many people come together to support each other and travel to races together and even cheer for total strangers like me! That is the great thing about Triathlon.

Three good reasons to train in Italy!

1-The hills for the bike

2- To burn off all the beautiful food

3- Many new friendships and races to look forward to

What are your plans for this season?

I missed 4 months of training this year with a stress fracture so I am just starting to get some fitness back now. I am hoping to do some more 70.3 races and then head back to Australia for the season there....and then hopefully back here next year!

What does Elly do when she’s not training?

Read my 'learn Italian' book! And also I love listening to music, surfing and hanging out with friends when I am in Oz. My friends are all starting to have babies so now I find myself staying home babysitting with them and having early nights..

Last question: if you could make a wish, what would you ask for?

An endless summer with no injuries, and a jar of Nutella that never runs out:-)