Warriner Sets Her Sights on Redemption

Sam Warriner could well have been excused had she decided to skulk away from Beijing with her tail between her legs and not wanted to consider another triathlon ever again, let alone the thought of another four-year Olympic cycle.

But the Whangarei-based Kiwi is made of sterner stuff and has already announced her intentions to the watching triathlon community with a victory in the final round of the prestigious British Corus Elite Series, and more importantly has signalled her intention to contend on the ITU World Cup and World Championship stage again in 2009.

Indeed the weeks post Beijing have been busy for Warriner as she has also hooked up with a new coach in former world number one athlete Siri Lindley. The multiple world champion American dominated the sport at the turn of the century and has made a smooth transition into the coaching ranks, looking after Lauren Groves (Canadian National Champion), Miranda Carfrae (Australia, World Champion), Sarah Groff (USA), Michelle Dillon (UK) and Mary Beth Ellis (USA).

In making the move, Warriner was quick to acknowledge the great support and advice from her previous coaches. Warriner appreciates she has worked with some of the best coaches to this point in her career, people like Ian Babe, Brendon Downey and Murray Healey of Fat Dogs Coaching in Whangarei, all of whom have helped her amass six ITU World Cup wins and World Championship podiums.

‘Murray and I always agreed that he would take me as far as the Beijing Olympics,’ said Warriner. ‘Murray has a young family and business and has worked tirelessly over the past two years for the Olympic campaign.’

‘I’m now ready to take the next step, I’ve won big races but I’d like to be a World Champion before my career is over and I feel I need the guidance of somebody who has actually competed at an international level if I am to achieve this.’

‘It will be great for my own coaching too. I love helping others and currently coach a handful of recreational triathletes through my website www.sweat7.com. When I finally do retire I’d like to coach in New Zealand. What better way to set myself up for this than learn from one of the world’s best.’

When asked about Sam’s future direction in the sport, Lindley’s response left no room for doubt about her belief in Warriner.

‘Sam has had a tremendous career thus far, but I honestly believe that she has only just scratched the surface of what she is capable of…I see so much potential in her, to be the very best in the world!

‘Sam and I will make an incredible team. I know that Sam will reach all new levels of performance under my tutelage, and with the methods I employ. I have big plans for her, and know that she is ready for all the hard work and commitment needed in order for her to achieve her greatest dreams!’

Big promises indeed but those who know the determination of Warriner will not doubt for a moment her chances of living up to the American’s hype and hope.

Already she has put the disappointment of Beijing behind her, as evident in her comments immediately on winning the twin-race Corus Elite event last month.

‘Now let’s forget about Beijing and start thinking 2009,’ said Warriner.

‘It was nice to be out and racing after the Olympics. I didn’t really train that much in the weeks following the Games, but I was so fit going into Beijing that I was able to stay competitive.’

‘I’m looking forward to experimenting with my racing in 2009. These two wins (at the Corus Series) prove that I am competitive over the shorter sprint distances; I’d like to do some more of these races next year. I’m also very excited about the new World Cup series that the ITU are planning, six major races in capital cities around the globe. Next year is going to be all about having fun, I love racing, I love winning, and I want to do lots of both!’

But Warriner is not limiting herself to the shorter distance races, admitting that the increasingly popular 70.3 circuit does hold some appeal.

‘I’m very excited about the new 70.3 World Series. I’d love to do a couple of 70.3s with the intention of winning the World Championships at the end of 2009. But as I’ve said, I just want to experiment, have fun, and enjoy myself.’

Lindley knows what she is getting from Warriner and likes what she sees.

‘Sam’s fire…a fire that drives her to her best possible effort on race day, fearlessness, and her desire and willingness to do whatever it takes, to be the very best she can be!’

Any article on Sam Warriner could not end without the feisty 37-year-old having the last say, and it is a shot across the bows of her opponents who might have contemplated life on the circuit without Warriner breathing down their necks.

‘Beijing was very disappointing for me as I was in the form of my life, but I just didn’t show it on the day. I’ve done a lot of soul searching the past six weeks and it’s not been pretty but I know exactly where I’m going now.

‘I’ve got a lot more in me yet and don’t intend to quit racing until my body starts to slow down and on the basis of today’s result that could be some time’