BACKGROUND

Professional Triathlete

Education Diocesan School for Girls 1993 - 2000

Deputy Head Prefect / Sports Prefect 2000

Auckland University of Technology - Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Degree

Career Professional Triathlete 2005-2007

Debbie’s love for sport began at Diocesan School for Girls where she studied from 1993 –2000.  During this time she won national and secondary school titles in swimming, cycling, running and triathlon. 

By 15 yrs old Debbie was the youngest person ever to receive the school ‘honours award’ and she was made deputy head prefect and school sports captain in her final year.  Debbie has since been invited back to speak at school functions and prize givings. 

After leaving school Debbie completed a university degree in sport science and turned her love for sport into a professional career.

In 2006, Debbie made her mark on the triathlon world by winning gold at the ITU World Cup in Ishigaki, followed by silver at the ITU World Cup in Hamburg.  She rounded off a fantastic season with a 4^th placing at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia.

2007 was another successful year which saw Debbie’s world ranking improve to 5th, as well as her selection for the New Zealand Olympic Triathlon Team.

2008 is off to a flying start with two Olympic distance races under her belt and preparation on track for the Beijing Olympics in August.

Debbie attributes a large part of her success to her coaching team of former American Olympic marathon runner Pete Pfitzinger and swimming coach, Damian Pedreschi. 

It also helps to come from a supportive sporting family.  Her sister Nikki, was an elite level swimmer who represented New Zealand at the 1998 Commonwealth Games, her mother Raewyn, is a nationally placed long distance cyclist and her father Roger, was an avid rugby player & yachtsman.