Island escape revives Gentle
IT’S the annual camping trip that could play the biggest role in Ashleigh Gentle’s quest to win gold at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
No phones, internet or laptops, training, coaches, race plans or media, just a camera to document eight days at Moreton Island in December that Gentle – along with partner and fellow triathlete – Josh Amberger used to take a breath between the biggest year of her career and another shaping to be even bigger.
Gentle says she was cooked after 2017. The 26-year-old won her first World Triathlon Series race, a series she finished second in, and won a world mixed relay championship for Australia before securing a record fourthstraight Noosa Triathlon crown.
The Gold Coaster knows all eyes will be on her come April where she is one of the favourites to win gold in the opening event of the Commonwealth Games in her home city.
Gentle already feels the weight of expectation but she has hit 2018 with a thirst to win, crediting her time away from everyone and everything – including triathlon – for her refreshed outlook.
“The break was good,” Gentle said.
“I was pretty cooked by the end so it was good to have a break. We go there every year and it’s the best place to unwind. really You can disconnect from your phone and everything for eight days and enjoy the simple things like the outdoors and the beach. That is a highlight for me every year.
“I haven’t felt the pressure yet but I know there are going to be more demands than normal this year considering the year I had and the fact that it is my home town.”
Gentle isn’t satisfied with her ninth-place finish at the last Commonwealth Games in Glasgow or her 26th at the 2016 Rio Olympics but believes the experiences from those events will make her a threat come April.
“In previous big championship races or major Games upon reflection I don’t think I was prepared as I could have been with a specific plan but we have already started to work on that for the Commonwealth Games,” she said.
“That is one thing I have learnt a lot, especially with Jamie. We have worked on a lot of physical things but psychological as well to prepare us for high-demand competition.”