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Nicole Hackett Shrine

A page about Aussie Triathlete Nicole Hackett

JAMES BARRY ENTERS THE WORLD!!!
Born 4th June, 2006

A BIG Congratulations to Nicole and her husband Keiran on the latest addition to their family, following the recent arrival of James Barry, who was born on the 4th June... All the best and Congratulations again to them and all their families!!! [added 25 June]

28/06 - Click here to view some pics of James, as well Nicole's other son Joel which were kindly sent by Nicole's dad Peter, with special thanks also to Nicole and Peter for their Ok to put these on the site!

NB: If you are having trouble viewing this pics, please click here in the meantime for one of the pics, and please try the main link later ... for the reasons behind the possible problem (which is related to some website changes!) please see below :)

Click for full-sized pic to open in new window

Thanks to Nik's mum Christine for sending the above Muffin Break advertisement! Very much appreciated!

Nicole and myself @ Perth! :)
Thanks again to Nic for not minding the happy schnap!!! (more pics to come)

28 JUNE 2006

STEVE HACKETT RACING UP A STORM IN USA

Steve Hackett has been racing very well over in the US, with props again to Nic and Steve's dad Peter for the heads up regarding some great race results recently!

Steve recently took out the 5430 Tri in Boulder, Colorado, the US town of which he has been a resident the past three US summer, and, as the report and great news peice on the race details (all available right here on the Inside Triathlon website!), for the past couple of months he has also been training with US Tri superstar, Siri Lindley!.

The ability to swim like a fish obviously runs in the family! ;-) Steve recorded the fastest of the 1/2 mile leg swim leg for the day - a slick 9:28, in the big and immensly popular race which attracted over 1000 athletes, with hundreds more turned away.
The top 3 for Men's the 5430 event were:
1. Stephen Hackett (Boulder, CO): 9:28 swim / 39:23 bike / 16:44 run / 1:06:55
2. Craig Greenslit (Berthoud, CO): 12:07 swim / 38:01 bike / 17:31 run / 1:09:00
3. Marek Dvorak (Boulder, CO): 10:05 swim / 40:12 bike / 17:43 run / 1:09:19

Further race details are available on their official website

Steve Hackett also raced in Philadelphia on Sunday, but thunder storm (boom boom about my headline!) turned it into a duathlon instead...! Not the ideal outcome for such a strong swimmer, no doubt, but Steve raced very well for a 5th place!. Full results and further information about this race available here

It's good to hear that another Hackett is doing so well in Triathlon too -- I'll continue to post updates on Steve's results!

COMING SOON TO A BROWSER NEAR YOU...! - NICOLEHACKETTSHRINE.COM

Hi all, some news on the website front...! After... ohh coming up on 6 years, I have recently (and finally!!!) registered the domain name nicolehackettshrine.com!! ... Over the coming days , I will be transfering the site over, and will let you know when it's all complete...! Bit of a make over on the cards too! :) Stay tuned!

25 JUNE 2006

THANK YOU, NICOLE

It's been a while, but it's "story time with Rachel", time! (attempts at humour aside, I mean every word of what I am about to put!) ... but first an apology - I wanted to Thank Nicole and all involved, again, for this, here on the website, much much earlier than now - but haven't - although I am hopeful it doesn't appear as an indication of my level of thanks to all involved...! but anyhow...! on with the story, I hear you say!

A couple of months ago, my twin sister and I celebrated our 21st birthday.
As is the custom(!) there were a few speeches on the night, one of which was given by my sister, Megan.

After saying a few words about my 'website ways', she then read this letter (NB: Adobe Acrobat required) which had been written by Nicole for this occasion...!!! (that I have also uploaded, to share how nice it is Nicole did this!)

I was blown away...!!! ... admittedly, a little embarrased for all the attention (but trust me, anyone who even remotely knows me will tell you that is DEFINITELY not rare!!!) but most of all I was, and still am, very thankful to Nicole for taking the time to do all that!
And I definitely love the 2000 Olympics shirt also!

A big thanks again also to my sister Megan for initially contacting Nicole, and to Nicole's husband Keiran who also helped out in emailing of the letter due to some technical difficulties involved with a printer there too! :-)

I actually had more than one friend say to me that night "was that for real?! I thought your sister was making it up!" and although that came as a surprise to me that they would think that (on all accounts, really!) ... I then thought about it more later, and realised how it was really just another 'positive',...not that these people thought that it would possibly be a (very elaborate!) 'fake' letter (!!), but the fact all these people, along with everyone else there, were able to also see how much of a great quality person that Nicole is too.

5 APRIL 2006

FINALLY . . . AN UPDATE!!!

Another very long time between updates unfortunately, but although I have been incredibly slow in updating this site, and big apologies for this, some more exciting news for Nicole, her husband and their families, from around Christmas time...:)

The Daily Telegraph Edition 1 - StateFRI 09 DEC 2005, Page 095

Mum's the word for Hackett
By AMANDA LULHAM

WHEN former world triathlon champion Nicole Hackett was sent to the sidelines with a broken shoulder she was furious.

When a mysterious leg injury stopped her training she was angry and when a debilitating bout of Ross River fever prevented her racing she was beside herself with frustration.

But now as she faces yet another long spell away from the sport, Hackett can't stop herself smiling.
``I'm 13 weeks pregnant,'' Hackett revealed this week.
``I knew I needed to take a decent amount of time off to get healthy again and then thought it was also a perfect time to have another baby.''

But while Hackett has shelved her racing plans until the start of the 2007 season -- six months after the birth of her second child -- she is determined to return to the sport which has already delivered her two junior and one elite world crowns.

``I definitely want to come back. I'm only 26 and not ready to throw the towel in yet. I still have things I want to achieve,'' said Hackett whose son Joel is now two.

High on Hackett's list of objectives is to win her first ever World Cup race.

Despite her numerous successes in both local and international races, a race victory on the World Cup circuit has continued to elude Hackett.

``It's just getting ridiculous,'' said Hackett who along with her world title wins has also won a Commonwealth Games medal, represented Australia at the Sydney Olympics and won national titles over sprint and Olympic distances.

``I just can't believe I have never won one. ``I just couldn't quit on these terms.''

The Australian triathlon series kicks off in February with races in Perth and Hobart.

A number of top triathletes from new Zealand, Canada and the UK are expected to race the series in preparation for the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in March where the sport is making its second appearance.

***
Congrats again :)

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MOOLOOLABA TRIATHLON 2006

I recently took great advantage of having some relatives recently moving to QLD when I incorporated a family visit with taking in some live triathlon action for the first time in two years ;-) with the 2006 Mooloolaba Triathlon!

Annabel Luxford had a great tactical race for victory in the womens race, off a controlled bike leg and oustanding run to pull away for a comfortable win in the final stages.

The Men's race was action packed, with Craig Walton leading the way on the bike, and Courtney Atkinson following suit before a bizarre tactic saw him deliberately drop back to chase pack, which was quite detremental to him on the run leg as he was with the pack, as apposed to off the front and challenged hard. The race was won by Kiwi Bevan Docherty.

Check out the ITU website for a great wrap up! (with a bit more of a wrap up from me to come soon!)

Meanwhile, here are some photos I took :)

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AUSSIES STRIKE DOUBLE TRIATHLON GOLD!

Australian Triathlon is still celebrating super success at the recent Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games where Emma Snowsill and Brad Kahlefeldt won Gold in spectacular style at St Kilda.

Check out the new and improved Triathlon Australia website for a great wrap up! (with a bit more of a wrap up from me to come soon!)

Pic from: Getty Imags

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12 JUNE 2005

'NICOLE CAN HACK IT'

If you haven't already, I'd recommend reading the article 'Nicole can hack it' by Telegraph journo Rebecca Wilson, which was published in the paper yesterday (11/06/05) -- It is a article highlighting the ups and downs of Nicole's career - and it brings to light yet another illness Nicole has unfortunately been suffering from - unbeknown to her for at least couple of months! - Ross River Fever. What a shame, another blow for Nic, but full credit to herself and her family & support crew, she is on the way back, although I would imagine a little more slowly then she might like...!

All the best to Nic for a full and fast recovery -- she is one gutsy lady and hubby Kieran also gets some obviously very well deserved kudos in this article too!
(Sorry for the shoddy scan! Will fix ASAP - Nice pic with the article! ;))

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15 MAY 2005

FIRST UPDATE IN A LONNNGGG TIME (V.SORRY!!!) - HACKETT'S IMPRESSIVE RACE IN JAPAN STAKES CLAIM FOR WORLD CHAMPS TEAM BERTH!

Nicole Hackett on her way to fourth place in Japan

Lemme start by offering a massive apology for the big time delays in update this site which has now dragged on from late 2004 and now almost at the end of the 2005 season - Unfortunately other commitments (like work ;0)) have been keeping me more busy then I might like but I hope to get back on top of it all again now & get this back up to date!

In racing news, Nicole had an impressive race in the ITU World Cup held in hot weather conditions in Ishigaki, Japan, today - Nicole's time of 2:02:11 seeing her claim fourth place in the event which saw Samantha Warriner (NZL) claim her first ever World Cup win, her time of 2:00:39 good enough to record a narrow 20-second-win over home town favourite Kiyomi Niwata (JPN) 2:00:59 with third place going to another local, Akiko Sekine (2:01:31.
Aussie world # 1, Loretta Harrop, was leading the way in the race today, but was not only run down during the final leg, but over taken in a big way...! Loretta's time of 2:06:04 seeing her finish in 14th place today.
Also a BIG Congratulations to Courtney Atkinson on his win in the Men's race!

CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE COVERAGE FROM TODAY'S ITU EVENT!

As mentioned in the headline, this result is all good news for Nicole in her bid to be named in this year's World Championships team! :)

Her strong result now puts Nicole in her best possible position to be named in one of the discretionary postions - although the final members of the World Champs team won't be officially named until March 30th.

Today's Sunday Telegraph had a little article about a different 'approach' - I guess you'd call it :) - Nicole was trying in the lead up to today's race ... :) Click here to read the article ... it looks like perhaps it may have helped pave the way for today's result! :)

Stay tuned in the coming days where I'll continue to update this site with all the happenings from previous races this Aussie and Int'l tri-season!

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STEPHEN HACKETT WINS RD 4 OF GATORADE QUEENSLAND TRI SERIES

Stephen Hackett won round 4 of the 2005 Gatorade Queensland Tri Series! Big Congrats!! :)

Click here to read the full story! (and Thanks to Christine Hackett for emailing me the article - much appreciated! - Steve might start to need a sub-section of his own! :) :))

9/11/04

Click here to read the article from Central Coast Extra - Sorry, link now fixed!

Click the image above to read the article from the Central Coast Extra. (I've fixed the link now, Sorry about that!)

7/11/04

SNOWSILL AND WALTON DO IT AGAIN IN NOOSA

HACKETT HOME IN SECOND

Walton and Snowsill celebrate their back to back wins in Noosa
Pic - Getty Images

Emma Snowsill and Craig Walton have defended their Noosa Tri titles, with powerful displays today in Queensland.

Emma recorded another convincing win in 1:54.55 - Snowsill's strong run & ride combination again her showcase as she recorded the fastest female Elite split in the bike - 1:00.28 (2.77 ahead of Nicole in second fastest) and clocked 35.21.8 coming home on the run - the fastest by just under two minutes!.

Nicole had another great race, finishing second with an overall time of 2:01.16 - further claim to a near ideal return from a collarbone injury which saw her miss the majority of this year's World Cup circuit races. A big Congrats to Nicole!!!

Nic on the run - Pic - Getty Images

Hackie and Snowy both exited the swim in unison (19.05 and 19.06 respectively) to be a full minute ahead of the nearest Elite competitors who were Vanessa Hentschel (20.05) and Brittany Orr (20.06).

As the above splits of Snowsill lay claim to, she powered away on the bike, leaving Hackett to begin the chase - solo it would seem ;) - finishing the bike leg in 1:03.05 - the nearest competitor to Nic, Rebecca Preston, a further 2 minutes behind her.

Nikki Egyed bought it home strongly on the run, sixth fastest off the bike to go on and record the third fastest run of the day (38.13.2) but it wasn't enough to challenge Hackett who was comfortable second ahead of Edyed in third by over two minutes. Edyed's final time was 2:03.39.

Well done & Congrats to Emma on the back to back!

Briefly on the Men's side of things, Walton's win was none the less impressive then that of his partner as he also took the Noosa crown back to back and for the fourth time overall.

Winning in a time of 1:47.05, Craig destroyed the field from the start, his awesome time of 16.56 in the swim leg giving him a 1.01 lead ahead of second fastest elite, Jonathan Grady. Craig then continued to leave the competitors in his wake, his bike split of 55.51 was the fastest of all divisions today, Chris Kemp second overall and in the Elite divison, finishing the bike in 57.06.
While in comparision to such dominance on the swim & bike, the run for Walton (time of 34.18.6 8th fastest) would be his 'weakest' leg, that fact often matters very little, as he sets up his race in the previous two disciplines and 9 times out of 10 reaps the rewards, as his did again today - the example of second place getter of the elite men, Craig Alexander, recorded a very sharp 32.18.7 over the 10k, fastest of the elites, second fastest of the entire day, second only to Olympic runner Craig Mottram (who won the Men's A division in 1:53.54) who's time was 32.09.3. - laying to that claim. I haven't mentioned his performance at all sorry, but not to ignore or discredit the race of Simon Thompson at all - our Olympic representative an impressive third in 1:48.23, not too far at all from Alexander, who's finishing time was 1:48.01.

Steve Hackett performed very well, finishing 18th in 1:53.29 - top 20 in elite debut! - not bloody bad at all! Another Central Coaster, Matt Murphy, who has recently returned from a stint in the States, training with Loren Lindquist (coach & husband of Barb Lindquist) also did extremely well, finishing 9th in a time of 1:50.27. Congrats to those two also - and Walto on his back to back !

Sheesh! Did I say 'briefly' on the Men's?! haha! Whoops - It's getting wayyyyy long, but to recap ...

Elite Men	Elite Women
1. Craig Walton - 1:47.05	1. Emma Snowsill - 1:54.55
2. Craig Alexander - 1:48.01	2. Nicole Hackett - 2:01.16
3. Simon Thompson - 1:48.23	3. Nikki Edyed - 2:03.39

Full Results

Noosa Triathlon results, by Catergory - United Sports Marketing
(Adobe Acrobat required)

6/11/04

HACKETT'S HIT THE NOOSA TRIATHLON

Both Nicole Hackett and younger brother Steve, who will make his elite debut, are amongst the hoards of people competiting in the Noosa Triathlon, tomorrow, as part of the multi sport festival that is Noosa this weekend in November.
Other Elites competing include Emma Snowsill, Craig Walton, Simon Thompson and Craig Alexander.

Triathlete out to prove he can also Hackett - The Daily Telegraph

Adversity spurs Snowsill - The Australian

In other news, Triathlon Australia has confirmed a revised national series for this summer, with some new venues also announced. That's great news! Check out http://www.triathlon.org.au for all the latest details.

27/10/04

THE WORD FROM TRIATHLON AUSTRALIA ON NATIONAL SERIES FOR 2005

Since reading about the demise of the National Age group/ Elite Triathlon series previously sponsored by 'Accenture' back on the 19th, I've been meaning to update the site with the official word from Triathlon Australia.

Unfortunately, other circumstances have seen me unable to do it until now ... but 'better late then never', check below for the links to stories -- most of which have probably already been read by you the reader!

While thankfully the age group racing didn't ever seem in too much doubt, It's also great news that TA seem to be in the process of getting closer to securing some sponsorship for Elite races also :)

* 12/10/04 National Series - Triathlon Australia
* 11/10/04 - 2004/05 National Series annoucement - Triathlon Australia

19/10/04

FIT HACKETT SOUNDS WARNING TO RIVALS

Click here to read the article which was published in the Central Coast Express Advocate, Thursday October 19, 2004.

24/9/04

AUGUST: NICOLE WINS COMEBACK RACE IN SINGAPORE

Firstly, I can't beliee it has been over 2 months since my last update. I've become QUITE the slacker, which is bad bad bad seein as there has been action-packed Olympic triathlon races and Loretta Harrop winning silver in a fantastic effort in a memorable race - more on that to come!.

A big Thank you to Nicole's parent/s for giving me the heads up way back on August 28th with this email: "Nik won her first race back after injury today in Singapore Steve is racing this afternoon in Geneva."

I win slaker-of-the-year award for only updating now - but another big thank you for the news peice there to the Hackett's - I'm endeavouring to get into gear and give you guys the news I get as soon as I can.

What a fantastic result for Nicole in winning the Singapore Triathlon Championship!!! It was a dominating performance, Nicole winning in 2:06.03 - some 3 mins. ahead of second placed Shizuka Kutsuna of Japan, who clocked 02:09:16. Click here to read a great peice on it from the official website of the Championship, and of course that is just so cute - Nik with little Joel coming across the finish line!! Awww! :-)

Steve Hackett finished a very credible 20th in ITU European International Cup race in Geneva, Switzerland with a time of 2:04.32.5 -. See this page on the ITU Website for more info on the race, where Mel Mitchell flew the flag for Australia as the only Aussie women in the race and she and won it!! in 2:14.52,0 - a fantastic result for her!. The other Aussie men Levi Maxwell (11th) Chris Hill (12th) and David Dellow (18th) all raced well also! :)

18/7/04

LORETTA HARROP WINS LIFETIME FITNESS TRIATHLON AS AUSSIE WOMEN GO 1-2

Loretta Harrop has today ended Barb Lindquist's reign as the winner of the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon as she destroyed the field in 1:57:58 - a massive 2:09 ahead of fellow Australian Olympic team rep. Rina Hill (2:00:05) with Lindquist third in 2:00:19. Aussie Craig Walton was the first male across the line, just 2:44 behind first-placed Loretta, stopping the clock at 2:00:42 - his actual time to complete the distance 1:49:33, narrowly ahead of USA's Hunter Kemper who finished as the second male in 1:49:39.

Stephen Hackett also put in an outstanding result, the 13th male finisher in 1:52:19, with the second fastest swim split of the day, 18:03, behind Craig Walton -- which leaves the question, when is this guy going to turn pro?! -- This Aussie summer @ Accenture at the latest please! :)

To see how all the Aussies went, including our other Olympic reps, and Michellie Jones who hasn't raced this distance for a while now (though I read she was gunning for the longer distances now? - good to see her racing it again though - it would be a massive loss if she didn't!), check out the full results right here.

See also the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon Official website where Craig Walton pretty well sums up his non-Olympic selection in one word ... sadly, it's pretty hard to disagree with those sentiments...

HACKETT STILL SHOULDERING INJURY

Although the LTF Triathlon website had Nik there as a starter, put that one in the 'too good too be true' category, as the shoulder injury sustained while cycling at Ourimbah Uni back in March is still on the mend - However Nik will be headed to Europe in about 1 months time <-- Thanks once again to Christine Hackett for the above news :) Much appreicated!

17/7/04

LORETTA HARROP TRAINING WITH STEPHEN HACKETT IN LEAD UP TO ATHENS ASSAULT

Thanks to Peter and Christine Hackett for the heads-up on the diary entries of Loretta Harrop over on the ABC Sport website, where she is detailing her lead up to the Athens 2004 Olympics - which includes training tales from Boulder, Colorado, USA where Loretta is training the house down along side her training partner Stephen Hackett - up and coming Australian Junior Champion (& younger brother of Nicole!) who gets some no doubt due props from Loretta! :)

Click here to go to the ABC website.

NICOLE TO MAKE RACING RETURN?

It seems as if Nicole Hackett may make her return to racing at this weekend's Lifetime Fitness Triathlon to be held in Minneapolis, USA - which will be early Sunday morning (1am) Australian time.

While, as she outlined in her diaries, Loretta Harrop is a definate starter, along with a host of other Australian and International superstars, Nicole Hackett's name is also on the list of pro's competing for the massive $250,000 prize money on offer in the Battle of the Sexes race, where this year the ladies will get a 11 minute and 9 second start ahead of the elite Men's field. Two time defending champion, American Barb Lindquist is going for the big 3 in a row and names Australian Craig Walton as who she see's as the greatest threat from the Men's ranks.

This style of racing is very popular with sports fans, with American network NBC giving it same-day-coverage for those in the States ... I wish some station over here in Oz would carry it, it's definately great entertaining racing from all accounts!

Check out the official website (link below) for all the news on the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon.

Lifetime Fitness Triathlon Official website

29/5/04

HARROP & LUXFORD FLY THE FLAG FOR AUSSIES:
2ND PLACING IN ELITES FOR LORETTA, ANNABELL CROWNED U/23 CHAMPION @ 2004 WORLD TRIATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS

See the triathlon.org - Official site of the ITU for all the details!

Update for this site to follow over the weekend

See the News section for all the other latest news!

Also, Pictures uploaded here.

20/3/04 - HACKETT SIDELINED BY SURGERY

Click here to read an article from yesterday's Daily Telegraph detailing a bike accident which has sidelined Nik and will very unfortunately see her miss next weekend's Australian Championships, and there is the possibility the recoverey time will also see her miss more races on the World Cup circuit... :-(
29/5/04 - My apolgies, I didn't realised that in my updating I had deleted the below news, kindly supplied by Nicole's mum, Christine:

***

Nikki crashed on her bike and broke her collar bone at cycle club, at Ourimbah Uni last Friday 5th March 04.

On Friday 12th March Nik had an operation to repair the damaged collar bone, the Orthopaedic Surgeon had to pin the collar bone as there was a 3cm gap.

***
All sounds quite nasty!
Haven't heard anything on the status of Nik's recovery -- presuming there are no complications, she is probably well on her way to recovery, which is a good thing! - Thanks again to Christine for supplying the news :)

HACKETT JOINS NEW SQUAD IN THE NEW ERA FOR THE AIS TRI PROGRAM

In other news the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, together with Triathlon Australia have recently launched a new focus for the Triathlon program at the AIS.

'Target 2006', as the name might suggest, has been established with a view of maximising Australia's performance at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and beyond to the 2008 Olympics.

Some star-studded athletes will now be part of the AIS program, although the media release admits the change in focus away from the Under 23's which has seen the program be so successful since it's inception in 2001, there is still a lot of great young athletes to complement the established champions.

As of the 1st of May the squad is -

FEMALE

Felicity Abram (AIS/QAS), Nicole Hackett (AIS/NSWIS), Pip Taylor (AIS/NSWIS), Nikki Egyed (AIS/QAS), Mirinda Carfrae (AIS/QAS), Emma Carney (AIS/VIS) and Annabel Luxford (AIS/QAS)

MALE

Simon Thompson (AIS/ACTAS) , Brad Kahlefeldt (AIS/NSWIS) , Peter Robertson (AIS/NSWIS), Levi Maxwell (AIS/QAS), David Dellow (AIS/QAS), Nick Hornman, Chris Hill (AIS/QAS)

Click here to read the media release on the new program

15/2/04 - ATKO & MAX SHINE AT ACCENTURE SYDNEY

Maxine Seear and Courtney Atkinson have made it an all-Queensland affair, claiming the 2004 Accenture Triathlon Series titles, the final round of the series held at the picturesque Opera House in Sydney today.

While it was Atkinson's third straight win, rising superstar Maxine Seear was also a popular winner, capping a fantastic summer of racing in this her debut - and boy it's memorable! - in the premier Australian summer series!

The athletes will be no doubt be celebrating tonight at Darling Harbour, the venue for their post-race-post-series party.

My women's race review

Pics (both Syd and Perth!) plus reports very soon! but meanwhile, see the links below for the journo's views on today :-)

Related info:

SEEAR AND ATKINSON WIN AT SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE TO SEAL ACCENTURE TRIATHLON SERIES - Triathlon Australia

Seear wins triathlon crown - AAP

4/2/04 - SEEAR AND ROBBO ADDED TO OLYMPIC NOMINATION TRIATHLON TEAM

Queenslander Maxine Seear and New South Welshman Peter Robertson were today added to the Australian Olympic team!

Click here to read the Triathlon Australia media release!!

My apologies, I was looking on the Triathlon Australia High Performance website for the news as well, but did find it on the regular TA site eventually!

A big CONGRATULATIONS to both 'Robbo' and 'Maxfactor'^ on a job well done!

Michellie Jones and Emma Snowsill were named the 1st and 2nd reserves respectively for the Women's team, while it was Brad Kahlefeldt and Courtney Atkinson for the Men's.

^My sister was watching Sports Tonight last night and they had a story on Maxine where at the end she revealed she's already picked up a new nickname -- Maxfactor -- hahaha! too funny -- top marks whoever thought up that one! :)

Related info:
Seear soares to Athens - Fox Sports

3/2/04 - HACKETT KNOWS CHANCES FOR '04 OLYMPIC BERTH 'SLIM' BUT SHE'S STILL A GO'ER FOR BEYOND ATHENS

SEE HERE FOR THE UPDATES FROM PERTH ON THE WEEKEND!

Two great articles in the local papers today, the Central Coast Express and the Central Coast Extra liftout.

In these articles Nicole speaks on her performance on the weekend in Perth and rates her chances for the 3rd and final Olympic spot, to be annouced 11am tomorrow (Wednesday). When the annoucement is made it will also be available on the Triathlon Australia High Performance website.

Click here to visit the Olympic selection '04 section for links and a little comment on the articles.

I also may post my comments on the final two athletes selected for the Olympic team, and *shrugs* I just don't want to sound toooooo bias here I guess! ... of course it is stating the obvious to say I would be as stoked as the next person if Hackie made the team, but unfortunately I don't think she will ... not denying the absolute enormous effort and achievement it has been for Nicole to be back racing so bloody well and so soon after the birth of her son Joel, and that, like mentioned in one of today's articles she would be at peak fitness by the Olympic Games time... and recent races has seen the run as her only real weakness, I believe due to lack of race fitness - but I just don't know I guess! - I don't envy the selectors one bit! There is so many great athletes to choose from, and 3 seems like such a small number...!

To go out on a limb, I'll say my gut feeling the two final spots on the team will go to Maxine Seear, who's rapid rise up to the top of triathlon is great for the sport worldwide and almost impossible to ignore one would think and in the men's Craig Walton and Peter Robertson ... tough to split I think ... but Walto by a whisker - as much as a love Robbo!!! .... seee! so don't envy the selectors! ;) (AGAIN!)

In saying that - best of luck to all the athletes. It's without a doubt I believe the athletes that are selected will be very worthy of their positions.

31/1/04 - HARROP ON HACKETT'S SIDE

* Loretta Harrop has made no secret that she wants Nic on the team with her, and will be working with her in tomorrow's race - to read all about it, see the article - Harrop wants Hackett on side - from yesterday's Australian.
* Triathlon Australia's preview - here
* Unfortunately, I've run out of time (leaving for the airport in a little over 2hrs!) to post my preview, I will try and update this site at least once from Perth, but check out foxsports.com.au , triathlon.org.au and I'd reckon ABC Radio might be having some updates from Perth for all the action. Hope to update the site on Tuesday / Tuesday night. And of course . . .

GO HACKIE!!!

28/1/04 - "Mum is the word" - The Central Coast Express Advocate 28/1.
Need I say anything about the headline?! :-) -=- hee hee!!!
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2004 Australian Sprint Championships - 18/1/04
Hackett powers to the podium , Seear sizzles - bring on the scintillating selection showdown!
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