Liezel swops presenting for triathlon action

One of the hottest celebrities in town, Sandown’s Liezel van der Westhuizen will be swopping the spotlight of the stage, radio, catwalks and television in the coming weeks for what could prove to be one of her toughest assignments yet ... competing in the country’s premiere sprint triathlon series.

The gorgeous Liezel will be ditching her designer outfits and the microphone for a wetsuit and triathlon kit when she competes in the 2009 edition of the exhilarating seven-event BSG Energade Triathlon Series at venues across the country between October and December.

Having received the daunting task of being the new face for Season 5 of M-NET Idols - and only the second woman in the world to present the programme – earlier this year, Liezel not only took the country by storm with her finely-tuned, warm and hugely likeable presenting skills, but showed she is always up for a challenge.

A characteristic which will stand her in good stead as she lines-up alongside some of the country’s leading triathletes and hundreds of other fun-loving sport enthusiasts in her first triathlon race on Sunday, October 18 at Potch Dam in Potchefstroom.

The event is not for the faint hearted or unfit and for first-timers like the Jacaranda 94.2 radio presenter it can be a daunting prospect as you have to be proficient in three disciplines, namely swimming, cycling and running if you plan to compete as an individual. The good news for other prospective competitors in the series is you can also participate in a team (maximum three members) with each person doing a different discipline – which is way more fun and less strenuous.

Speaking ahead of her first major triathlon test the leggy blonde who was voted in at Number 63 in FHM HOT 100 Sexiest Women in the World this year, says she is really nervous about doing the 600m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run which constitutes a race in the series.

“Although I’m accustomed to being in the limelight, dealing with tough projects and being under pressure, whether as a magazine cover model, MC or presenter this (triathlon) is a whole new ball game, but one I’m really looking forward to it,” she says.

As an avid sports enthusiast – she plays golf, enjoys swimming, running, cycling, spinning and scuba diving – she says she has always been fascinated by triathlon because it combines three of her favourite disciplines.

“I’ve just never had the courage to go out there and do a tri event. But after hearing so many great things about the BSG Energade Triathlon Series and how much fun it is, I’ve finally decided to give it a go.”

She admits the running leg gives her nightmares as that’s not her strong point while she is looking forward to the swim stage which is her favourite discipline.

When quizzed on her training and diet regime ahead of the series she said, “I’m not training enough because I'm always traveling for work and I just follow my usual healthy diet.”

On the subject of goals she said her first was to make sure she finished all the BSG Energade Triathlon Series races she entered. “I don’t think I’ll be chasing the likes of reigning champion Andrea Steyn or Olympic star, Kate Roberts over the line this year but who knows what the future holds. Ultimately my dream is to compete in the Ironman,” adds the women who received three People Magazine Award nominations last year.

Having also played hockey, netball, squash and volleyball at Pretoria Girl’s High School where she matriculated there is little doubt that this talented young woman, with a head-spinning array of physical passions, will not only finish her first race but turn a few heads along the way.

To join Liezel at the following BSG Energade races; Potch Dam (October 18), Roodeplaat Dam (October 25), Germiston Lake (November 8) and Noordwes Universiteit Vaal in Vanderbijl (December 6), which are within easy reach of Jozi residents, entire online at www.bsgenergadetriseries.co.za or go to Cycle Lab Fourways on the Friday prior to each event between 2pm and 5pm. Late entries will also be accepted at each event venue on race day from 6.30am to 9am.

Remember prior to all this action there is also the BSG Energade Kids Series with races starting at 8am (except Germiston Lake as there is no kids race) making the series a perfect active family fun day out. For more details on the kid’s event visit www.kidsseries.co.za and give your child the opportunity to get active and outdoors.