“I am trusting my journey and it starts with turning up every day.”
Mountainbiker Stef Gordon doesn't get fazed by a bruise or grazed knee — it's all part of the fun.
She is secretary of the Gisborne Mountain Bike Club and has spent a lot of time overseeing the Whataupoko Reserve trail development.
She said she was “stoked to be involved in creating a huge asset for our community, suitable for all ages, and can't wait to see more wahine out there enjoying it”.
Hannah Webb is new to mountainbiking and is enjoying developing her skills on the Whataupoko trails.
Riding could be thrilling and challenging, she said.
Jo Teesdale works full-time in her orchard and she is a grandmother who loves to work out.
She has completed the gruelling two-day Coast to Coast multisport event.
Nan Baker surfs, runs, does triathlons and rescues animals.
She has competed in ironman triathlons and last year she took on an ultra-marathon, running 100 kilometres on trails in Taupo.
Baker encourages other people to be active.
Mary Briant took up the sport of triathlon after the death of her daughter, Amy.
She competed at various distances before completing her first ironman.
She may be nervous about the swim leg but doesn't let that stop her and is prepared to train in the wind, rain or sunshine.
Heron Tangohau loves the great outdoors.
“Outdoor fitness is fundamental to supporting and improving my health and fitness goals.”
People's health was inseparable from natural settings, she said.
“It helps me to understand and learn how to nourish my body, mind and the environment each day in a simple and mana-enhancing way.”
Ella Kelso, 17, began judo at the age of 10 and has recently started competing internationally.
“I have been introduced to new cultures, people, places, training methods, and become more determined than ever.”
Kelso said she had gained fitness, knowledge and friends through judo and it had given her purpose in life.
Her schoolmate Sydnee Andrews, 17, was the 2019 Gisborne Judo Club judoka of the year.
“Judo has taught me to be powerful and brave and that I can be myself,” she said.
“I have also learned self-defence, which is very handy to have as a female in this world.”
Kassie Owen was inspired by her mother to play netball and enjoys playing it with her friends.
She played for Te Tairawhiti and was named in the Aotearoa Maori under-13 tournament team.
Former Gisborne netballer Manaia Hutana has earned a spot in the 2020 Waikato-Bay of Plenty Beko interprovincial team.
The goal shoot said playing for the Maori secondary schools team last year was a highlight.
Ronnie Martin began coaching netball over 20 years ago and has received a Netball New Zealand service award.
“I started coaching because there was no one else,” she said.
“Little did I know that it would become a huge passion.”
— Source: Sport Gisborne Tairawhiti
