Joanna LawnTriathlon« back to all athletes
DOB
December, 29 1977
Height
5'8"
Hometown
Auckland, NZ
With TYR Since
December 2008
Career Highlights
- 6-time Ironman New Zealand Champion.
- Broke 9 hours in Roth Ironman.
- Top 5 at 3 seperate Ironman World Championships
- 3-time New Zealand long distance Champion.
- Represented New Zealand at the CommonGames
Triathlon sensation Joanna Lawn began her professional career as a cyclist in 1995. In 1997, Lawn had a major career highlight, winning a gold medal at the 3000m Pursuit New Zealand Cycling Championships. Recognized as one of the dominant athletes of their nation, New Zealand selected her to represent the country at the World Championships in Holland in 1998.
Transitioning onto new challenges, Lawn ran the BMW Marathon in 1999. Her first marathon ever, she placed 10th on the women’s side. Although never a swimmer, her proven strength on the bike and now in running made her the perfect candidate for triathlon.
Lawn devoted herself to the sport, and slowly progressed up the rankings in races. By 2000, she had won the Sada Island Triathlon in Japan and placed third for the 25-29 year olds at the Kona Half-Ironman.
Making her first appearance at the New Zealand Ironman Championships in 2001, a now seasoned Lawn left the race 4th in the open women division. Having competed on the course, she came back the following year and placed second in the professional division. Climbing up the podium, she went on to win the race consecutively for six years from 2003-08 and break the course record (9:16:00). In 2009, she would take second in a hard-fought race to the finish.
Competing at the highest level in the sport, Lawn has found herself at the start line of ten Ironman World Championships. In 2005 and 2007, she had her highest finishes-placing 4th.
Other stand-out performances for Lawn include winning Quelle Challenge Roth in 2006, and placing second in the event the following year-breaking the eight minute barrier in the process. She championed the New Zealand Long Distance race from 2006-2008, and most recently in 2009 placed second at Ironman 70.3 Florida and third at Ironman 70.3 Kansas.
Lawn currently lives and trains in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband Armando Galarraga.
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 is 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: U2Â 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.Â
Q: Five things we should know about you?
A:Â 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
In Joanna Lawn's Gear Bag
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