No slowing down for Prue Fowler
Prudence Fowler eats, sleeps and breathes sports.
Four sports to be exact.
The 13-year-old Mt Albert Grammar student has won several Auckland and national secondary school titles in her grade for swimming, cycling, water polo and rowing.
She is a cycling (track and road), triathlon and open water swimming champion.
Prudence is also one of MAGS’ fastest rowers and is a member of their senior water polo team.
There really aren’t any signs of slowing down.
She has a strict training schedule before and after school.
Even during the holidays, Fowler does not take a break.
She doesn’t want to.
‘‘I’m just used to it [training] now. In the holidays when I don’t have to wake up early I still do,’’ she says.
‘‘I train through the holidays just to stay fit, it’s not as much as when I am competing but it’s weird for me to not keep training.’’
Her day begins as early as 5am every morning.
She trains before and after school, regardless of what sport and competition she is preparing for.
‘‘I’ve been taking part in sports all the way through primary school but only started competing in important competition when I was inyear 7.
‘‘I had done heaps of sports before I finally found ones that I liked.
‘‘I used to play hockey, netball and swimming through primary school and started cycling three years ago.
‘‘I love sports, I just like being able to do something after school and the friendships that I gain from it.’’
Most of her friends take part in the same sports as she does, which is very important for Prudence as she believes this helps them motivate each other.
Her family is not too far away with support, always attending her competitions and helping her maintain form and hectic training schedule.
‘‘I’m very proud of my achievements. My dad always tells me to give my best and that is all that matters; as long as I’ve tried my hardest I know I am already a winner.
‘‘My ultimate dream is to compete at the Olympics but right now I haven’t decided on what sport it is that I want to completely focus on.’’