Liz Gill, a 45-year-old Southland farmer and mother of four, is preparing to compete in the Ironman New Zealand triathlon this March after winning the 2027 Tony Jackson Scholarship. The challenge, which includes a 226km swim, bike, and run, marks the culmination of an eight-year fitness journey in which Gill lost 30kg and transitioned from a sedentary lifestyle to an endurance athlete.
The Evolution of the Tony Jackson Scholarship
The Tony Jackson Scholarship provides entry and training support for the Ironman New Zealand event. It is named in honor of Tony Jackson, an Ironman New Zealand Hall of Fame inductee who completed the race 28 times. According to the scholarship’s founding principles, the award is intended for individuals who embody the belief that “nothing is impossible to the willing mind.” For Gill, the scholarship provided the financial means to purchase essential gear, including running shoes, supplementing equipment borrowed from her father, Graeme Appleby, and friends.
Did you know? The Tony Jackson Scholarship specifically seeks to support athletes who have demonstrated consistency and belief, regardless of their starting point in the sport.
Logistical Realities of Training on a Working Farm
Training for a 226km endurance race requires significant time management, particularly when balancing the demands of a 365ha beef farm. Gill’s training schedule is often dictated by the needs of her four children, aged 8 to 16, and the cyclical nature of farm life. During calving season in August and September, her physical exertion is focused on lifting bags of meal and milk powder, which she credits as a foundational part of her conditioning.
When the children are home, Gill utilizes her 700m-long driveway for running laps. During the Southland winter, she relies on an indoor bike trainer, allowing her to supervise her children’s reading homework while she pedals. This logistical choreography is necessary due to the farm’s location, 50km north of Invercargill, which limits access to dedicated swimming facilities.
Community Impact and The Gorge Adventure Race
Gill’s personal health journey spurred the creation of the Gorge Adventure Race, an event she founded with her husband, Greg. The race, now in its fourth year, has grown to include 330 competitors and has raised approximately $80,000 for local community projects. Proceeds from the event are earmarked for the local school and the purchase of community defibrillators.
Gill currently serves as the event coordinator for the Southland Triathlon and Multisport Club. Her involvement in the sport has led to further opportunities, including working at the World Triathlon series in Tauranga, a role that keeps her connected to a network of experienced Ironman finishers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tony Jackson Scholarship?
It is an annual scholarship honoring Ironman New Zealand Hall of Fame member Tony Jackson. It provides race entry and training support to individuals who demonstrate a resilient mindset and the desire to complete the Ironman distance.
How does Liz Gill balance farming with Ironman training?
Gill integrates her training into her daily farm chores, such as lifting feed bags, and utilizes early morning hours before her children wake up. She also incorporates family time into her sessions by having her children read to her while she uses an indoor bike trainer.
What is the Gorge Adventure Race?
It is a community-run adventure race held on the Gill family farm in Lora Gorge. It features varying distances from a three-hour trek to an eight-hour mountain bike and trek event, raising funds for local schools and community health equipment.
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