Tri champ tells kids to eat well

Hayden Comadira-Smith | 27th November 2009

GLADSTONE'S first world age group championship triathlon winner Cheryl Ogden popped in to Gladstone West State School yesterday.

(From left) Caitlyn Williams, Cheryl Ogden, Laith Ogden and Cody Jones.

Hayden Comadira-Smith

GLADSTONE’S first world age group championship triathlon winner Cheryl Ogden popped in to Gladstone West State School yesterday.

The Year 6 students were delighted to have Ms Ogden pay them a visit.

She began the discussion by explaining about health and fitness, and the types of food they should eat to stay healthy.

“What you eat is very important, but at your age just eating the normal fruit, vegetables and meats is very healthy for you,” she said.

Miss Ogden has competed in many triathlons and Iron Man challenges in various places around the world, and says that you need to be fit, both physically and mentally, to finish a race.

“If you don’t think you can do it, or you feel like giving up, then you can’t succeed at what you’re doing because you’re not in the right frame of mind.”

Talking about her competitive achievements, she showed the fascinated Year 6 classes the bikes she uses in her races.

Students also got to see her collection of medals from her 15-year career.

Miss Ogden explained to the class that the average Iron Man challenge consists of a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride, and a 42.2km run, which she described as being “pushed to the very limit.”

Ms Ogden is preparing for her next competition.