BSc Triathlon Team Member Felicity Abram has just returned from the ITC Triathlon World Championships in Queenstown, New Zealand, where she blitzed the female junior elite field to bring home her first world title.

Felicity took some time out from her busy schedule, including preparation for the Olympic trials in Coffs harbour and Perth later this year to talk about her recent success and future plans, and how she made it to the top of her chosen sport at just 17 years of age.

BSc: Felicity, firstly, congratulations on your success in New Zealand. Going into the race, did you feel that you had a chance of winning, or were you just aiming to place well?

My main aim was to enjoy the experience and have fun – and do the best I possibly could on the day – whether that be winning, placing or whatever! In the end, though, everyone wants to win and I guess you could say I was quietly confident lining up to the race.

BSc: At what point did you think that you might actually be taking home the world title?

I was totally in a "zone" or on a mission when I ran out of transition onto the run. I was down 35 seconds on the leader, Vanessa Fernandes from Portugal, which is pretty much the way I had visualised it! I felt confident I could run her down and was able to catch her by the 2km mark. I just kept running as hard as I could – but it was not till I was running down the finishing shoot that it hit me that I was going to win!

BSc: What were you thinking as you crossed the finish line?

How unbelievable it all was!! And how much fun the race was! Just the excitement and atmosphere at World Champs is incredible. I was kind of in another world – I was also looking for dad to give him a big hug!

BSc: During the World Championship you were not wearing the BSc logo, why is that? Was it just a case of being nervous and forgetting?

No! It wasn't nerves at all ... I don't get nervous! It was simply because I had slept in and didn't have enough time to put my tattoo's on! I was more focused on getting some breakfast into me before I had to board the bus to go out to the race! I am now going to make sure I put them on the night before! Our race was an early start – 7.30am, so I had to be at the swim start by 6.15.

BSc: Are there any changes you have made to you're training or diet during the past six to 12 months that you feel significant boosted your performance and recovery?

Definitely!!! The Body Science products I have been using (NEBS Recovery Drink, HMB, Ecoade and Melibol) have made a HUGE difference to my recovery – and my overall training! I haven't been able to train this consistently since before I got Glandular Fever in Dec 2001. My diet is pretty good – and I try to make sure I get enough protein, calcium, iron etc. Body Science supplements are great in that regard.

BSc: What are you plans now?

I had a few weeks off straight after Worlds, and have been back in training the last two weeks only! I will be racing St Kilda and Geelong Junior Sprint races – as they are the selection races for 2004 World Champs in Madeira. I would then like to race the next few Accenture Races – Sydney, perhaps Perth and Devonport (Elite) just to get some more racing experience and some solid training in as well before Worlds in May. Mooloolaba and a few other local races are probably in the program somewhere too!

BSc: Australia seems to consistently produce some of the world's best triathletes, including some of your fellow BSc Triathlon Team Members. What advice would you give to young athletes who are aiming to compete at the elite level of this sport?

I think the most important thing is to have fun! You must enjoy it all and set realistic and achievable goals. I think if you enjoy what you are doing, you are bound to get the results you want later on.

BSc: To help us gain a better understanding of the kind of commitment required to reach world championship level, can you provide a run down of what an average day involves for Felicity Abram? meals, training, work/study, supplements, sleep, hobbies – if any.

The average day starts at around 4.30am – usually a swim. Training partner and coach (Rina Hill) picks me up (no license yet!!!) Back home by 7.30am. Breakfast
(protein drink, fruit toast etc) then.... up until now it has been off to school. This year will be different, and I will have more time to rest and do some further study. Twice a week I do gym at QAS – although soon it will be three times a week. This is usually between 12-2pm. Afternoon sessions are usually run – either a track ( grass) or treadmill. I bike three mornings a week – 2 of those sessions time trials and the third usually hills. It is a fairly flexible routine though, and Rina and I change it around to what suits each other.

Luckily, everyone in our family likes to eat healthily, so I follow a pretty healthy low fat diet. Having said that, we still manage regular trips to Cold Rock once or twice a week. I use Body Science supplements after every session and find it makes a big difference to how I perform at the next session.
I will probably travel more this year, and am looking forward to having a more relaxed study year! Maybe concentrating on my French when we are in camp with the AIS in Aix le Bain in July/August.

I try to get a sleep/nap during the day if possible and get to bed by 8.30 most nights! My hobbies include reading, cooking and painting when I get the chance! Dad gave me a surfboard for Xmas, so you can add surfing to the list.

BSc: With such a grueling schedule, it's important to have a strong support network. Who do you rely on to help you succeed, not just in your sport, but in life?

My training schedule is not exactly grueling at the moment, although, it will certainly be more so in the next few years – especially when I compete more on an International level – ITU races etc. My parents are my main support network – constantly helping me on a day to day basis. The AIS/QAS are also fantastic and help me in many ways in all facets of Triathlon – with support for medical, physio, travel, nutrition, career guidance etc.... Everyone at both the Institute and the Academy is invaluable and always on hand to help you in any way possible. The Body Science team are great also, and are just a phone call away if I need anything.

BSc: How do you balance your sport with other commitments such as school and family/social obligations?

I have just finished Year 12 – and that's a relief! I have been counting down the days for a while now! I now have more time to relax, sleep, see a movie etc...My family are all fairly sports orientated, like keeping fit and enjoy training. My twin brother is also an AIS athlete and an Australian Rugby Institute Scholarship holder, so he is right into his training and fitness as well. He has a pretty full-on schedule too, so he appreciates what's involved in achieving your best in your sport – even though his training is quite different to mine!

BSc: Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you achieve this level of success?

Body Science of course! My parents, my coach and training partner Rina and the AIS/QAS – Jackie G and Shaun Stephens to name just a few!
For further information and photos of Felicity, check www.bsctriathlon.com.au