Voted one of “The 10 Greatest Female Iron-Distance Triathletes of all Time” by Inside Triathlon Magazine, Joanna Lawn is a veteran performer at both the Ironman and half-Ironman distances. Lawn has seen steady success over the last two seasons, winning the 2011 Ironman 70.3 South Korea and Ironman 70.3 Busselton, and placing 3rd at Ironman New Zealand in both 2011 and 2012. With a fifth place finish at the 2012 Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Las Vegas, Jo hopes to better her career-best 4th place finish at the 2007 Ironman World Championships this year in Kona. Joanna and her husband Armando reside in Auckland, New Zealand.
Q: What do you look to improve?
A: Rest more on my easy days.
Q: What setbacks have you faced?
A: Overtraining and illness
Q: What is TYR to you?
A: AWESOME…..I FEEL LIKE A MILLION BUCKS WHEN I CLIMB INTO MY OUTFITS…..
Q: What distinguishes you amongst your competitors?
A: I never give up. I know how to dig deep
Q: Favorite Triathlon Race & Why:
A: Hawaii Ironman because of the heat, the winds and the pro field.
Q: What part of the race if your favorite: swim, bike or run?
A: I like all of them- that is why I am a triathlete. 3 chances…
Q: Best Triathlon Memory:
A: Winning my first Ironman New Zealand!!! The feeling of finally getting to the finish line first.
Q: What is the most grueling triathlon experience?
A: For me it would have to be last year 2008 in Kona. I was competing in Kona only 4 weeks after having an abscess removed from my lower limb. I really had to use my mind as my body was letting me down. But I certainly learned a lot about the mind. I had to dig deep to even toe the line. But I never gave up.
Q: How do you know you are ready to race?
A: I like to do 3 major races a year so I train and build up to the event and then taper. Racing happens after that. I like to follow a solid pattern/schedule. It takes away the guessing. It works for me.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: On the Wings of Mercury (Lorraine Moller)
Q: What goggles do you prefer? What do you like about them?
A: Nest Pro Metallized. They just stick to your face, and never come off, and they never leak. They also have great wide vision….so you can see everywhere.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: Good Will Hunting
Q: What is your favorite band?
A: U2 or Chemical Brothers
Q: How do you get fired up for the race? Do you have any superstitious rituals?
A: I like to watch old Hawaii DVD’S. I always shave my legs the day before the race.
Q: What will you do after your triathlon career?
A: Not too sure, let me see where this takes me. But one thing I do know for sure is that I would love to be a mum.
Q: What is your favorite TYR triathlon product?
A: The Sayonara speed suit….it gives me the competitive edge.
Q: What is your favorite TYR swimsuit and why?
A: The Jungle Floral Diamondback. You get two suits in one and it’s super durable
Q: Favorite Athlete?
A: Paula Radcliffe
Q: Why do you do triathlons? Why do you compete?
A: Triathlons are awesome. The best thing about a tri is that you have 3 chances and it makes life exciting. I compete because I love to push my body to new levels.
Q: Five things we should know about you?
A: I love licorice allsorts
I have red hair but don’t have a temper
I use to cycle for New Zealand
I have a fear of the water
I don’t like the cold
