Hannah Knighton | Sport

My goal is to win gold at the 2028 Olympics in triathlon. One of my earliest memories is watching Hamish Carter win gold at the Athens Olympic Games in 2004. His success inspired my dream to represent New Zealand at an elite level in sport. I understand this is a long journey, but I believe I can get there by focusing on my short and medium term goals. Like Carter, I want to be an athlete that inspires and encourages future generations.

My journey as a triathlete began as a 7 year old competing in the WeetBix TRYathlon. While I competed in a range of sports including hockey, netball, tennis and swimming during primary school, my focus moved to triathlon when I commenced secondary school. Although I now specialize in triathlon, I continue to compete at a national level in the individual disciplines of swimming, cycling, cross country and athletics.

This year I have had the honour of being Head of Sports at Waikato Diocesan School. This position has allowed me to develop my leadership skills and give back to the community that has supported me on my journey so far.

Outside of school, I have also given back to the community by volunteering at a number of community and school events. Earlier this year at the Port of Tauranga Half Iron Man Triathlon, I volunteered at registration and at the cycle aid station. I also represented Triathlon NZ as a Weetbix TRYathlon ambassador at the Hamilton event.

Triathlon has allowed me to be involved in a number of community groups including the Hillcrest Swimming club, Hamilton City Cycling Club and Tauranga Triathlon. I always strive to be a role model for younger members of the sporting disciplines I am involved with. I try to be approachable and encouraging.