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Ranked Australia’s top female cross country mountain
biker, Niki Gudex talks to Erin Craven about her love of the
sport and her goals.
Age
25
Born
July, 1978.
Lives
Sydney.
Occupation
Athlete / Graphic designer / Sports Model.
Favourite Food
She has a weakness for chocolate.
Why did you take up the sport?
I was an avid snow boarder, but a combination
of a major injury and the lack of snow saw me out in the Jindabyne
bush on a bike one day. Then every thing seemed to just
come together. It feels natural.
You've become the female 'face'
of the sport. Is that something you're comfortable with?
Yes, I hope that it helps people to
see the sport as friendly and versatile.
What keeps you motivated?
Winning at higher levels. I have just
returned from racing in the American National races,
the World Cup series and the World Championships.
Are you competitive?
For those things I have chosen to focus
on, yes. But if I were to play a game of golf or something
different, I would just enjoy trying something new and not
expect to be the best.
What's the toughest thing about
the sport?
Mountain biking is about over coming
everything that nature can throw at you. All the things that make
it so difficult are the reasons I love it.
What does your training involve?
I ride about 500 km a week. I also
go to the gym a few times a week to do weight training. I
train every day.
Is diet a major part of this?
After training, racing and travelling
so much you realise the importance of a good diet for your
body and mind. I try to keep food as natural as possible,
and keep away from too much sugar.
What else do you do to maintain
your health?
I try to have a massage once a week
and go to the physio regularly. I also take a multivitamin
and other vitamins as necessary.
Have you ever been injured?
I had one accident where I hurt
my lower back and hips, but with massage and stretching, it
is getting better.
You received a University 'Blue
Award' in 2002. What is that?
It is an international acknowledgement
for sporting achievement.
What is your next goal?
My biggest goal in the near future
is Athens. Australia will only qualify for one spot in
the female cross country, and it will be extremely competitive
for that spot. It will make for a very interesting eight or
nine months. Other than that, it is too early in my cross
country career for me to expect that I will be there.
Profile: Erin Craven.
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