Emma Snowsill
Triathlete
Never look back
Every morning, I wake up with the sun — looking toward the horizon, looking forward in my life. As a triathlete, I train really hard: run, bike swim — then jump in a freezing cold creek to ice my legs down. I am a tough competitor and I chase what I want, but I'm also superstitious and never race without my lucky earrings. I believe every race is like a new day, so I try never to get complacent. I never want to look back on a single one and think, "If only I had...".
Q & A
- How many years have you participated in your sport?
- 10 years. Started my last year of high school. Professional for 5 years.
- If you were not a pro triathlete, what would you be?
- A Pro Surfer. I can't surf to save myself, but the lifestyle and the places you are able to go to sound unreal.
- Do you have any other special talents?
- I wish!! I used to play the piano, but that required too much sitting still, which is definitely not one of my talents.
- How do you see yourself?
- I think I can sometimes be mistaken for rebellious as I have always wanted to do my own thing and don't feel easily influenced by others to change my ways or decisions. I tend to like to learn things the hard way, but willing to learn from my own mistakes.
- What are things that inspire you?
- Trying to get the best out of myself as an athlete, but still have a balanced life outside of triathlon. I enjoy pushing my own limits.
- What is the greatest lesson you have ever learned?
- Life is so short and you have to make the most of every moment. Traveling definitely makes you appreciate the life you have been born into and the opportunities you have.
- What are the things or stories that encapsulate the way you live your life?
- Live every day like it is your last!
- What do you hold most valuable in your life?
- Family, Health, happiness and the desire to keep achieving.
- What are the three biggest things you learned from your parents?
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- "I thought I was poor because I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet". It was a great saying I was taught when I as young and made me appreciate everything I had and not what I didn't.
- How not to worry about what everyone else thinks, because you can't please everyone.
- Follow your head and heart and always trust your instinct.
- What makes you unique?
- People usually tell me they are surprised by my smaller frame size — not what they expect for a triathlete. I certainly don"t perceive myself in this way, but I seem to stand out a little more for this reason. I think they just expect me to be bigger and appear stronger than I am. I just remind them that "good things come in small packages"...
- Best advice someone gave you:
- "No one said it would be easy, they just said it would be worth it." This quote is so applicable to every aspect of life.
- What quote best describes you?
- Never say die.
- What do you value most in your friends?
- Their honesty, sense of humor and love of life.
Date of Birth:
6/15/81
Hometown:
Gold Coast, Australia
Hobbies:
- Hanging out at the beach with my dog!
Career Highlights:
- Winning 3 world titles & Commonwealth Games
