TRIO BACK ON TRACK
CYCLIST PUTS HER HEART SURGERY BEHIND HER
BARELY a month has passed since Stephanie Corset required heart surgery, but already she is back on the track and headed for a national victory.
The 18-year-old was one of three Townsville cyclists to be selected in the Queensland under-19 team to take on the National Championships in December, joining Ethan Harris and Briana Mcdonald in Brisbane.
While the sports lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic hindered her ability to compete, it was scary circumstances with her heart that proved Corset’s greatest challenge in getting to her fifth Australian competition.
While others took part in virtual time trials to finalise their positions, Corset’s operation meant she had to lean on past success and a timed effort in Townsville to qualify for her final age level competition.
With that behind her, she said now her focus was on claiming a podium finish in the endurance events.
“With all the bad things with the coronavirus it just felt good to be acknowledged for putting in the hard work during the off time and getting a chance to actually compete,” Corset said. “I had a tachycardia, so I needed a heart ablation, (but) it’s been really good, I had to have a few weeks off the bike but before I couldn’t push myself (without) my heart going really high.
“But now I just feel like I can actually train and push myself, so it worked out with nationals being a bit later.”
Harris will be another regular Townsville face at the national tournament, intent on delivering in the team sprints and improving on his bronze medal from last year.
The 17-year-old took a break from cycling during the pandemic lockdown, focusing on school in a rare period without competing.
For Mcdonald, it will be her first foray in the under-19’s group.
While COVID-19 made motivation difficult to come by, she said her longterm ambitions kept her zoned in on the now imminent event.
“I’m just looking forward to getting back on the track and racing again,” Mcdonald said.