IMNZ 2019 Swim
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IRONMAN New Zealand

Taupo, New Zealand mar 7, 2020



Peter Taylor

Peter Taylor
IRONMAN New Zealand Legend Kellie Howell

What makes IRONMAN New Zealand is the world's best IRONMAN?

I have been a supporter, volunteer and competitor and it is the organisation and home town support that make IRONMAN New Zealand the World’s Best IRONMAN.

Also, the lake swim, run and ride are as good as you will get anywhere in the world for the challenge and the scenery. I have also done the Nice and Hawaii IRONMAN and participated in the Auckland IRONMAN.

How were your first introduced to the sport? 
I was first introduced to the sport when I entered in the local Trisport Taupo Monday night events and I also helped to promote them. A friend of mine (Ken Parker) also competed extremely well.

The first IRONMAN I entered was in Auckland in 1991. I have done around 20 since then including overseas (over a long period of time).

I will be 71 in September and may do another IRONMAN when I am 75 and then when I am 80. Meantime, I will continue doing shorter events and will probably do the Erin Baker Awards again as well as the half IRONMAN here in Taupo.

A friend of mine (Ken Parker) had some influence on me lining up in 1991.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about competing in the first IRONMAN?
Pay your entry fee even if you need help to do this. You are then committed.
When you cross the finish line on race day 3 March, you will stay on Cloud 9 until at least 3 June!

Describe your most memorable IRONMAN New Zealand moment. 
Probably no special day as I am only a cruiser and never really go hard out. However, it was good competing in 1999 when the race moved to Taupo from Auckland and I was amongst the home crowd.

The swim start is always good and there is a lot of hype with the helicopter, cannon, the sun appearing, the waka and the chant and the anticipation of an Air Force flyover.

Also, it’s exciting news that the swim course is returning to swim back into the river (as we used to do).
The Taupo IRONMAN finish is the best that I have ever seen.