Michael Andrews

Sport: Triathlon
Events: NSW All School Championships, NSW Club Championships 3rd (teams), Kurnell Sprint Series, Balmoral Obelisk Bay Triathlon
Club: Bondi Runners & Triathlon Club (BRAT), Balmoral Triathlon Club
Date of birth: 1st June 1987
Height: 177cm
Age: 16

Sporting bio and Achievements:
Balmoral Triathlon Club U/19’s Champion 2002/2003
3rd NSW Club Championships (teams) / 2003 Club Championships won by BRAT

Tamara Tomato was excited to be interviewing Michael and here’s what they talked about when they caught up:

Tamara Tomato:
Hi Michael, thanks for making the time to meet me today, I know that triathlon is actually three sports so you must have a lot of training. Have you ever had any injuries?
Michael Andrews:
This would have to be the time I had a cycling crash. I cycle to morning cycle session in Centennial Park at about 5.20am. One morning it was pouring rain and I was on my way to training, when all of I sudden I hit a pot hole. Unfortunately for me this was only two weeks out from my biggest race of the season, Club Champs! I was out of training for the whole two weeks leading up to the race. But I knew I had to race because my club really needed the junior team compete.

Tamara Tomato:
Wow, that must have been tough, good thing you were wearing a helmet otherwise it could have been much worse. So tell me Michael, who has been the toughest opponent?
Michael Andrews:
My toughest opponent is definitely myself. Never compare yourself to anyone else unless you’re trying to break a world record.

Tamara Tomato:
That’s some pretty good advice, you sound very motivated. What do you think has been your biggest achievement in sport?
Michael Andrews:
Well through a collection of achievements and goals reached it would have to be becoming the Balmoral Triathlon Club U/19’s Champion. It feels really good to receive recognition for your efforts and achievements.

Tamara Tomato:
Wow it sounds like you do pretty well, so can you tell me if you have ever had a losing streak?
Michael Andrews:
I have never really had a losing steak. I don’t like to look at it that way. Sport is all about having a go! However there have been tough times when I loose motivation to train.

Tamara Tomato:
You’re right sport is all about having a go. How do you overcome these losses in motivation?
Michael Andrews:
Well I go back and look at why I train, why I race and what the future holds. I train because I like the sport, and you meet a lot of people. Really, I do it for fun. Everybody likes to win, but ask anyone in sport why they do it, and they will most likely tell for the fun of it and fitness you gain.

Tamara Tomato:
Having fun in sports is the most important thing! You must eat pretty well with all the training that you do. Can you please tell me what are your favourite fruits?
Michael Andrews:
Bananas! Banana Smoothies! Banana Ice cream! and also watermelon

Tamara Tomato:
Wow you do love bananas don’t you – that must be where you get your energy from. Have you got any favourite vegetables?
Michael Andrews:
Mashed potato and pumpkin.

Tamara Tomato:
Yum! What is your favourite food in general?
Michael Andrews:
Fruit salad or Thai food. Pad Thai with prawns and beef is the best.

Tamara Tomato:
Michael, what do you think you would have chosen to do as a career if you weren’t concentrating on triathlon?
Michael Andrews:
I would have chosen to become a pilot either through the air force or an airline. I have been flying before and it’s an unreal experience!

Tamara Tomato:
How cool! What do you like to do in your spare time?
Michael Andrews:
Well any spare time left over after school, homework and training is either spent surfing, going to the movies or with friends after school.

Tamara Tomato:
Who is your hero?
Michael Andrews:
Chris McCormack. He’s an Aussie champion taking on the world!

Tamara Tomato:
Chris is a fantastic triathlete. Do you have any nicknames?
Michael Andrews:
Well my school friends call me Mandrews (long story!). But everyone in my training squad calls me Junior.

Tamara Tomato:
Sounds good Junior. Can you please tell me what you think is the best thing about playing sport?
Michael Andrews:
Well I enjoy meeting other people through sport. I love my sport, but going to things like presentation nights makes it all worth while. Another aspect that I enjoy is having a healthy lifestyle. Being fit and active feels good and it helps you to relax during the day.

Tamara Tomato:
You are right – being fit and active makes you feel so much better. So do you have a favourite motto?
Michael Andrews:
I have two! Your toughest opponent is standing in the mirror. AND
The only way to know your limits is to go beyond into the impossible.

Tamara Tomato:
Michael, thank you so much for your time, you certainly love triathlon and I would like to wish you the best of luck.
Michael Andrews:
Thanks Tamara. Here are a couple of website’s you might like to look at for more info on triathlons:

My coach’s website: www.spottidog.info
BRAT Club website: www.bratclub.com.au
Balmoral Club website: www.balmoraltriclub.org.au