Welcome to our Ambassador blog series, where we celebrate the diverse passions and pursuits of ordinary Kiwi's achieving the extraordinary. From athletes to artists and everything in-between, they embody the spirit of New Zealand through their shared love for their respective sports, activities, passions and occupations.
Join us in discovering their inspiring stories.
5. Brad Smith - Aquathon and Sprint Triathlete
Brief outline on who you are, your background, occupation, where you live etc.
Currently living in Rotorua working as a Police Dog Handler, been in the Police for 13yrs. Swam competitive at NZ level as a teenager.
What is your chosen sport/occupation/passion/interest/hobby? What attracted you to this? Why do you love doing it?
I compete in Aquathons (swim/run) and sprint triathlons. My background of swimming has helped with these sports. I was introduced/ persuaded into the sport in Feb 2023 when I went with my partner to Kinloch, Taupo for her Aquathon and triathlon races and she said I should enter the Aquathon. So I brought a wetsuit and goggles that morning of the race and completed and finished 2nd in my age group and qualified for the Worlds multi-sport Aquathon event in Spain later in 2023... so I decided to train for this and competed in Spain in May 2023 in the Aquathon placing 25th in the 35-39yrs. I love being able to explore new places, travel with my partner while training and keeping fit. The triathlon community are amazing.
My partner Angie Keen won 3 world titles last year in Spain, so she is a huge inspiration.
What are the pros and cons of what you do? What would you consider your biggest achievement(s) to date? What would be your ultimate goal/dream/destination/achievement?
Pros - Been luckily enough to travel overseas with the sport, stay fit loving what I do. Meet amazing new friends from around the country.
Cons - Self funded and can be expensive, injuries, working full time while trying to maintain my training schedule which is 6 days a week.
My biggest achievement since starting this Sport 14 months ago would be qualifying for Worlds in my first event. Then again in 2024.
My ultimate goal is to win a medal at a World Championships. My current goal is to win an event in my age group for NZ champs.
How does X-ZONE help you to achieve your goals?
X-ZONE can help me manage my injuries / stay injury free to ensure I can train uninterrupted to achieve my goals, I used the 'Sports roll on' for my shoulder injury prior to and on race day in the weekend (Banana boat Ocean swim series Amphibian race) and this helped me win my age group and 3rd overall male, finishing the race with the shoulder feeling way better.
crafty drinker (@bradsmith1985) • Instagram photos and videos