Triathlon: Life-changing experience leads Bruce Richardson to GM role

Bruce Richardson started work as Triathlon Hawke's Bay's new general manager yesterday. Photo/Warren Buckland

Weighing 118kg Bruce Richardson turned to triathlons with the aim of changing his life six years ago.

The move paid off for the Taradale father of two. He now competes in the 40-44 years age group with a racing weight of 83kg and yesterday he started work as Triathlon Hawke's Bay's new general manager.

"I was pretty nervous at the time. But that was my introduction to a very family orientated club and since then I've done multisport events, adventure races and the Coast to Coast," Richardson, 41, recalled.

A former shearer, Richardson, combined with top Nelson triathlete Daniel Busch to finish second in the two-day tandem section of the South Island's Coast to Coast in February.

"Daniel is a phenomenal competitor who won the GODzone Adventure Race two years ago. I had worked with him in outdoor pursuits instruction in the past and while it was awesome to do the Coast to Coast, it required 17 to 18 hours training each week. I know I'm going to have to cut back on my own events in my new role," Richardson said.

"Yes I enjoy winning and competing myself but I get more satisfaction out of seeing others achieve."

The product of Hereworth School and Lindisfarne College, who replaced Mike Bond as general manager, Richardson, intends to promote triathlon as a sport for everyone.

"I don't intend to leave any triathlete behind. Anyone who wants to give triathlon a go should be able to and I see the grassroots of the sport as important as the top end. I started from the grassroots and now I can compete quite well," Richardson said.

Like so many Hawke's Bay triathletes, Richardson started in IronMaori's Quarter tri event, first in a team and then as an individual. His mountain biking and swimming background gave him an ideal base.

A huge fan of five-time winner of the Coast to Coast, Richard Ussher, who he has met, Richardson pointed out triathlons can be used as a fundraising tool.

He raised $2500 for Auckland's Starship Hospital when he did Coast to Coast as a fundraiser for Family Works Presbyterian Support East Coast.

Richardson is grateful for the support he has received from club stalwarts Brett Mudgway, Glenn Yule and Fred Koenders.

"Basically I want to carry on the good work Mike did and help the club [which has a membership of 300] grow by working with sponsors and members."

A former Taradale Primary School board of trustees member who focused on fundraising, Richardson said it was important for him to maintain and grow the high sponsorship levels his club boasts.

"I know what a difference sponsors can make to other people's lives."

Richardson also knows the importance of enhancing the club's links with Greendale Swimming Club and Napier Harriers Club.

"Having those links can be beneficial to everybody if we all work together."

He will also encourage club members to ask plenty of questions.

"No question is a stupid question."

His first major event in charge will be round one in the club's Duathlon Series at Haumoana on May 27.

Richardson doesn't intend to tackle a major event as a competitor until the next IronMaori Quarter in November.

That's a wise move if he is to continue to maintain the standards Bond set. He is also knows it's crucial to keep on the good side of wife Ngaia, 11-year-old daughter Sophie and 8-year-old son Blake.

"Family time is massive to me and at the same time I see the club as one big happy family too."

Triathlon Hawke's Bay is a finalist in the organisation category at the Hawke's Bay Sportsperson of the Year function to be held on May 26.

Bond is also a finalist in the administrator category and one of the club's top technical officials, Gail Hussey, is a finalist in the official category.

Maintaining these high standards will be another challenge for Richardson. With the support available to him within the club he should tick it off with ease.