Age no barrier in Wahine triathlon

Age was no barrier to taking part in the annual Wahine Tryathlon in Dannevirke on Saturday, especially for 74-year-old Te Aroha Edwards, known to most as Aunty Dimples.

"All my children are very athletic, so I can't let them down," she said. "I'm usually in the pool every Tuesday and Thursday and I go to the gym as well."

Aunty Dimples had originally been one of a three-person team tackling the Wahine Try, but when fellow team members, Kathy Mihaere and Aroha Walker had to pull out, Aunty Dimples wasn't daunted and decided to go it alone, taking on the swim, bike ride and run.

"She's so amazing and such a good role model for us all," daughter Jo Henderson said.

Tau Edwards had travelled from Gisborne to cheer his mother on and said her achievements were fantastic.

Another daughter, Donna Marsh, had arrived from Perth on Thursday night and was poolside on Saturday, proudly cheering her mother on.

"All her daughters are inspired by Dimples," she said. "Mum was a gun netballer in her day, playing alongside Robyn McLean, but she gave it up to have her seven children. I feel like crying just watching her today. I'm so proud."

Aunty Dimples has 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and her daughters said they're all inspired by her efforts.

And although unable to remain in Aunty Dimple's team, Kathy Mihaere was by her side throughout. "Sadly Aroha and I fell off, but Dimples just kept on going. She's awesome," she said.

Another competitor taking the plunge at short notice was Stevie Rangi, who took on the swim leg for her Resultz Gym team after Keisha Te Huki hurt her ankle playing netball. "Stevie was originally going to do the run, but was a last-minute replacement in the pool. She's a legend," Tania Eunson, owner of Resultz Gym said.

Jesse Smyth had completed the 12-week tryalthlon programme in Dannevirke and the Whanau Try in Palmerston North before taking on the Wahine Try challenge.

"I'd do it again," she said. The 12-week programme had helped her fitness.

Friend Amanda McLean said she was taking part in the Wahine Try "just for fun".

Tryathlon organiser Ashleigh Ahipene said the event wasn't about winning for the 30 women.

"We're celebrating our achievements and supporting each other. Yes, it's in our blood to win, but being fit and healthy is the goal," she said.