For most athletes the moment children come into the picture, it marks the end of competition.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
But not for mother of two Sophie Hawken, 38, who will embark on a trip to Spain to compete in the ITU Multisport World Championships in Pontevedra, Spain.
"Just because I have kids and a business to run, it doesn't mean I still can't have a go at competing," Hawken laughed.
A seasoned athlete from a young age, Hawken will compete in the Aquathlon which involves a 1km swim followed by a 5km run.
"These days competitors are getting faster and faster," Hawken said.
"This is probably the first year I won't expect to be a medallist."
But that doesn't matter to Hawken who is also a personal trainer and sole operator of 3T Fitness, it's about getting outdoors and giving it a ago.
"I'm not as focused on the volume of training I would like to do, but that's just part of being a mum," she laughed.
In addition to being inspired by her husband Tim and children Gemma, 3, and Lucius, 9, clients help drive her motivation.
"All my clients know I'm in world championship training every year, and they are there with me on the journey," Hawken said.
"Motivation comes and goes with everyone, but when you keep amongst it, it keeps you going."
Hawken has been surrounded by athletes her entire life, first learning the ropes of triathlons from champion Bendigo athlete Leon Griffin.
"We trained together when I was younger and then I went off to the army and that's where I got the drive and passion to take athletics to the next level," Hawken said.
Over the last 20 years, triathlons have been Hawken's bread and butter, with hardly a weekend going past without a competition.
Hawken has competed in events across the globe at destinations such as Hawaii, Auckland, Singapore and Portugal just to name a few.
"But now I'm just a mum that loves fitness and to just have a go - why stop if you love it," Hawken said.
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
