Father factor keeps Chantelle running
THANKS to her father Wayne, a veteran of 10 full ironman races and more than 20 Ironman 70.3 events, every family holiday Chantelle Spiller-Ball and her sister Erin took during their formative years coincided with an ironman event.
This Sunday, all those memories will return when Chantelle and Erin race at Ironman 70.3 Geelong.
“I can remember my younger sister at one stage asking whether the family could go to Bali and in the same sentence asking whether Bali had an ironman,” Chantelle, 23, says.
An accomplished sportsperson, Chantelle tried her hand at almost every sport, but it was equestrian that captured her imagination.
“I have been riding horses since the age of six and I couldn’t imagine life without it. I have only recently decided to give triathlons a go again after a 10-year hiatus,” she said.
The dedication Wayne showed to training and com- pleting so many ironman events certainly rubbed off on his family. Between Chantelle, her three sisters and her stepmother, they have completed various half, full and ultramarathons.
During the past couple of years her dad’s example has spread to the extended family with his son-in-law, two brothers and two of his friends completing an ironman race.
“Dad is very excited that I am embracing the sport and the challenges it brings. He has been extremely supportive, giving me all the assistance I could ask for. He is especially excited that Erin is also racing in Geelong,” Chantelle said.
Chantelle hasn’t entered a full ironman event yet, but if her family history is anything to go by it won’t be long before she takes the plunge.
For his part Wayne is incredibly proud.
“When Chantelle and Erin came and told me that they had signed up for Ironman 70.3 Geelong it would be an understatement to say that I was excited and proud that they were taking on such a great challenge,” he said.