Libby Trickett Sydney Coastrek Interview

Libby Trickett Sydney Coastrek Interview

Wild Women on Top Sydney Coastrek has announced four time Olympic Gold Medallist Libby Trickett as Ambassador to their 2015 event, joining a star-studded team to raise money for the Fred Hollows Foundation to help restore sight.

Representing Australia at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympics Libby swam her way into the hearts of Australians, just as famous for her beaming smile and vivacious personality as for her world record breaking swims.

The Order of Australia Medal recipient said she is thrilled to be an ambassador for an event that is all about adventure for fun, fitness, friends and fundraising for Fred.

'I'm super excited about being the Sydney Coastrek Ambassador. It's obviously a very energetic and passionate group which is inspiring, so I can't wait! It's great to have a fun adventure goal that fits so perfectly with my passion for health and fitness" Libby Trickett, Sydney Coastrek Ambassador.

Coastrek:
55 Kilometre Team Challenge trekking to transform lives along the Sydney coast. Trekkers from all over the Australia come to Sydney to participate in the event.
Teams of four, including at least two women, proudly supporting The Fred Hollows Foundation at www.coastrek.com.au to restore sight.
Past trekkers and Ambassadors: Susie O'Neill (Olympic Gold Medallist); Ruth Hollows (Fred Hollows daughter); Julie McCrossin (Presenter); Cheryl Bart (Everest summiteer); Aaron Davey (indigenous AFL star); Ben Phillips (blind 100km trekker); Senator John Faulkner, Tony Abbott, Adam Spencer, Pat Farmer, Fran Kelly, Angela Mollard.
History: Since Sydney Coastrek began in 2009 with 40 trekkers,

7,000 people cumulatively (90% of them women 35-55 years) have been inspired to get fit trekking to transform lives and restore sight.
to nearly one quarter of a million people raising over $6 million dollars for The Fred Hollows Foundation.
Coastrek 2014 raised $2.6million; 2013 raised $1.8 million; 2012 raised $1.1 million; 2011 raised $600,000; 2010 raised $200,000.
2 Great Events starting at Sunrise 6 March 2015:

55 km BEACH - Palm Beach to Balmoral in 18 hours
55 km HARBOUR – Coogee Beach to Balmoral in 18 hours
Registration opens: 1 September 2014 through to end October.
Goal of 900 teams of trekkers; 3,600 participants, aiming to raise $3 Million to restore sight to 120,000.

Check out this video on the 55km team challenge for Sydney Coastrek 2015 on YouTube 

Register now at www.coastrek.com

Interview with Libby Trickett

Question: Why did you decide to participate in Sydney Coastrek?

Libby Trickett: I was excited by the challenge to keep training. Now that I've retired from swimming it's been really important for me to set goals and aim for something. I have never walked 55km before and I'm really enjoying trying new things! Plus I get the opportunity to meet and work with some amazing people!


Question: What is Sydney Coastrek?

Libby Trickett: Sydney Coastrek is an event to inspire women (and men!) to get outside and get active. It's about fun, friendship, fitness and fundraising! It's essentially about encouraging people to set a goal, get fit, raise some money for a wonderful cause and enjoy the amazing environment we have in Australia. The great thing about it is that you get to do all this plus raise money for the Fred Hollows Foundation!


Question: Why is it important to you to raise funds for the Fred Hollows Foundation?

Libby Trickett: Well, a lot of people probably wouldn't know this, but 4 out of 5 people who are blind, don't need to be! In this day and age and with all the advancements in modern medicine, I think it's important to help people live with the best quality of life that they can.


Question: Who else is in your Sydney Coastrek VIP team?

Libby Trickett: I'll be on Coastrek Patron, mathematician and media personality Adam Spencer's team, aptly named "3 Birds and a Nerd". We'll also be walking with beautiful and talented media personalities, Angela Mollard and Magdalena Rose.

Question: Can you talk us through your training for the event?

Libby Trickett: The great thing about Sydney Coastrek is that you're guided every step of the way with training for the event. They have plenty of tips, recommended walking trails and a step by step training guide so I'll be doing a lot! I try to keep relatively fit anyway, so I'll definitely keep up my current routine of swimming, PT and gym workouts but add A LOT more walking!


Question: What types of training should someone hoping to also participate in Sydney Coastrek be doing?

Libby Trickett: Certainly build up your walking from whatever level you're starting at, again there is plenty of information on the Sydney Coastrek website (www.coastrek.com) but my best advice is mix it up and make it fun!!


Question: How can we benefit from adding a walk in nature to our fitness schedule?

Libby Trickett: There have been a lot of studies recently that have shown the physical and mental benefits of exercising outdoors. There's something really special about being amongst nature, obviously it's great for Vitamin D levels and the fresh air can been incredibly cleansing and balancing for your emotional wellbeing.


Question: What's your goal for the upcoming Sydney Coastrek?

Libby Trickett: First things first, I want to make it! After that, I'm excited about doing something completely new and out of my comfort zone, meeting new people and hopefully making some friends along the way!


Question: How can we sign up to participate or volunteer at the event?
Libby Trickett: The best way is to head to the Sydney Coastrek website – www.coastrek.com and register!


Interview by Brooke Hunter