Triathlon athlete Tina (60) pilots a plane during office hours

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Local triathlon athlete Tina van Wyk (60) from Great Brak River took a proud second place in her age group on the podium at the Ironman 70.3 Mossel Bay last Sunday, 19 November.

"I had so much fun," she said in an interview yesterday morning, Thursday 23 November.

When she is not training for her endurance sport, this amazing woman pilots a plane for skydivers.

"I fly skydivers to a drop-off point for my husband Henk's business, Sky-dive Mossel Bay," said Tina.

She travels to George daily to teach yoga and pilates at Virgin Active and Planet Fitness, and train with coach Franna Vorster.

In the afternoons it is off to Mossel Bay to fly a plane.

Tina van Wyk in the cockpit.

Tina had a busy year of racing, with two Ironman 70.3 events in Gqeberha and Durban, and two overseas events - the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Finland in August, and the World Triathlon Age-Group Championships in Spain in September. Tina represented her country in both events.

"I ended off my year with Ironman 70.3 Mossel Bay, which turned out to be the highlight of my year as I held onto second place, 'emptying the tank' on the last 2km," said Tina. "I would like to thank my coach Franna Vorster for keeping me injury free and strong throughout my year, and to Mannatech health supplements which kept me healthy and very well fuelled during my events.

Lastly the fantastic support from the motivated George and Mossel Bay crowds - you are the BEST!"

She participated in her first event at the age of 43, in Gordon's Bay. "I ended third, and remember telling Henk, 'I think I can do this!'," she said.

Local triathlon athlete Tina Van Wyk (60). Photo: Deidre Cloete

Initially Tina participated in full Ironman events, where athletes complete a distance of 3,9km swimming, 180,2km cycling and 42,2km running. Nowadays, she like to rather opt for the "half Ironman", the Ironman 70.3, where she has the opportunity to participate in more events per year.

One of the highlights in her sport life is winning the Ironman in South Africa at the age of 45, and competing in the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, which she calls the holy grail of triathlon.

Eden Triathlon's next event takes place on Sunday 3 December in Great Brak River. Visit their Facebook page or send an e-mail to admin@edentriathlon.co.za

Ironman 70.3 Mossel Bay last weekend 19 November. Photo: Deidre Cloete