Athletics: Five minutes with Zoe Hobbs

Zoe Hobbs during the New Zealand Track & Field Championships. Photo / Getty Images

Aged just 19, Zoe Hobbs already sits number four on the all-time New Zealand women's 100m rankings. The national 100m champion and 2016 World U20 100m semi-finalist answers our Five Minutes With questions.

Why and how did you start in the sport of athletics?

I was introduced to athletics as a preschooler, but my first distinct memories of racing came at the age of five. I was extremely competitive right from a young age, so competitive that I remember showing up every Thursday club night looking to beat the older boys!

What was your first significant win?

My first significant win would have to been as a ten-year-old when I won the 200m at the Colgate Games. I remember crying happy tears at the completion of the race. I wanted to win it so badly because it was my first time racing in finals and contesting for medals.

What was your first major setback?

My first noteworthy setback was when I was around the age of 11 and had Osgood-Schlatter disease in my knee. I was involved in a number of sports when I was younger, so it affected my ability to participate in anything pain free.

Best piece of coaching advice?

The hard work has been complete in training. All you can do is go out and enjoy it.

What qualities do you think every athlete needs to succeed?

I believe consistency is the biggest contribution towards success. Consistency is something that I find important in how I train not only on the track, but also in the 'small one percenters.' Drive and determination are often words expressed as something that is very important, but I still believe consistency overrules this.

Most important thing you have learned from your time in the sport?

For someone who often holds exceedingly high expectations of myself, the biggest thing I've learnt is that no matter what, you must enjoy it. At times, I've been caught up looking at the bigger picture and I have forgotten to take a step back and enjoy the process. Appreciate and recognise the good moments whether they're big or small and be patient towards hitting the bigger targets.

What is the best thing about being an athlete?

The best thing about athletics is the diversity of athletes you get to meet across a range of different disciplines. Having the opportunity to travel overseas to different competitions through the sport allows me to better get to know some of these athletes and form some lifelong friendships.

If you could have a superpower what would it be and why?

I'm addicted to travel; huge fan, therefore the ability to teleport to new and interesting places would be the greatest gift of all.

What would be your last meal?

It's not a meal but if anybody knows me you will know how much I enjoy a good coffee. My last taste of anything would be a classic old flat white.

Hidden talent?

I can play a good game of Pictionary.

What is your greatest indulgence?

Anything sweet, but if I had to narrow it down my greatest indulgences would be chocolate, Giapo ice-cream on Auckland Queen Street or doughnuts. Once I get my hands on those, my self-control with clean eating goes out the window.

If you could have three dinner party guests, who would they be and why?

Allyson Felix - Childhood (and still current) track and field Idol.

Beyonce - because I enjoy her music but she's also extremely talented and hard-working which is something I look up to.

Melissa McCarthy - favourite comedy actress.