Petersen’s sights on third title
GRETA Petersen plans to chase a third Burleigh Swim Run title after successfully defending her crown.
Petersen overcame hot and humid conditions to win the open women’s category at the annual Australia Day race that includes a 400m ocean swim and 4km beach run.
“I didn’t have any expectations going into it and I just stayed cool and calm,” Petersen said of the race.
“It was very hot and humid and it made it a bit tough in the run especially.
“The tide was going out so the swim was a bit shorter. My dad was with me and he said that the girl who was second was about 10 seconds behind so I still had to get going as soon as I got out of the water.”
Petersen won the event in her debut year in 2017 and is unbeaten from two starts.
The 20-year-old – who picked up $500 for her win yesterday – said the conditions were tougher in her second attempt and declared she wanted to return in 2019 to try to win a third straight title.
“Everything is going well and I’m happy with my training program so it would be good to come back,” she said.
The aspiring ironwoman revealed she had decided to switch from Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park surf club to Tallebudgera where she has linked with coach Guy Andrews, a former ironman champion.
Andrews won the 40-49 years age category of the Burleigh Swim Run.
“The club is great and have been very welcoming,” Petersen said. “I wanted to get more one-on-one coaching and I wasn’t getting that at Burleigh. I just needed a change.”
Commonwealth Gamesbound triathlete Luke Willian also successfully defended his open men’s title yesterday, winning in a time of 17 minutes and 54 seconds. ALL THE RESULTS IN MONDAY’S BULLETIN