Fisher in search for guide for another tilt at triathlon

New Zealand paralympic swimming star Mary Fisher is keen to once again try her hand at triathlon this summer, but the blind swimming sensation is in need of a guide to be alongside her as she pushes yet more sporting boundaries.

Triathlon is a fast growing sport for many reasons, one of which is the doors that are opening for athletes with impairments as the sport embraces everyone as it moves towards being fully inclusive, from children to some of the best para athletes in the world.

That interest has seen NZ Paralympic swimming star Mary Fisher try her hand at the sport. A multiple medallist at Paralympic and world championship level, Fisher is looking to race another triathlon this season after first giving the sport a go in Wellington in March this year but needs the help of a guide in early December.

Triathlon NZ Inclusion Manager Shanelle Barrett is not sure just how far in the sport Fisher is aiming to go, but is keen to help her make those first steps along a pathway that now goes as far as the Rio Olympic Games.

“Mary is a wonderful athlete and a swimming superstar but triathlon certainly has its arms open wide to welcome her into our sport. Mary has indicated she will definitely line up at the Tri NZ Jennian Homes Aquathlon Championships in December at Mount Maunganui and while she is there, she is keen to also take part in race one of the Tri Series, the Craigs Investment Partners Tinman Triathlon.

“The timing is perfect with the Tinman taking place on Sunday December 8, just two days after the Aquathlon Nationals on the Friday night at Pilot Bay. However Mary requires a guide to lead her around the Tinman course, tethered to each other throughout the swim and run and sharing the tandem on the bike leg. The only requirements are the ability to keep up with Mary and to comply with Triathlon NZ Competition Rules the guide must be a female.”

While Mary is Wellington based, the guide can come from anywhere in the country, including the Bay of Plenty. A perfect scenario would have Mary do some training with her guide; however Barrett says that is not essential.

“Mary is an experienced athlete and competing with her will no doubt be full of laughs out on the course. However, there is a degree of trust and confidence required and the guide will have to be aware at all times that Mary is totally blind and relies on the guide at all times throughout the race.”

Any women interested in offering their services and guiding one of New Zealand’s most decorated para athletes can contact Shanelle Barrett on email technical@triathlon.org.nz

The event that Mary will take part in at the Craigs Investment Partners Tinman is raced over the sprint distance of 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run.

Further details on the events can be found at www.triseries.co.nz