23.03.07
Team Danni #226 Team Profiles
The first two profiles on members of Team Danni #226.
Sonja Dyason (aka Yummy Mummy)
Sonja has come on board Team Danni #226 at the last possible moment. Sonja has been conspicuously absent from the Team Danni #226 Programme since day one, which has led to a lot of debate as to her convictions. While in years gone by Danni and Sonja could be seen training the house down together; many pundits believe that Sonja has not been up to the challenge involved with an Ironman campaign and has made endless excuses to avoid training. Sonja signs off her emails, “the standard you walk past is the standard you accept”… Of late Sonja seems happy to walk past just about anything.
Sonja has informed broughton.id.au that she brings to Team Danni #226 the ability to act as training partner to Danni in recovery week, and offer words of encouragement and congratulations on her amazing effort over the last few months. A rather lacklustre performance at best.
A former Australian Triathlon team member Sonja will actually contribute some worth in how to deal with pre race nerves. Sonja also claims responsibility for influencing Danielle to come out of retirement on more than one occasion.
Where this yummy mummy shines is her constant and unwavering support. When it comes to support and motivation, Sonja has an infectious nature that will summon even the most stubborn and boring personalities into cheering like a right idiot for 17 hours straight. If on April 1 the day starts to fall flat you can count on Sonja to get the excitement going again.
Laura Dinsmore (Team Masseur)
Laura Dinsmore is the token international on Team Danni #226. Hailing from the “True North, Strong and Free”, Laura has left the cold climate of Calgary Alberta to join Team Danni #226 in Port Macquarie. Laura was headhunted by Team Danni #226 because of her background in Human Kinesiology, her work in one of Calgary’s leading Physiotherapy clinics and the fact she is currently studying a Sports Massage course on the Gold Coast. In fact, in conjunction with the team mechanic Aaron [Farlow], Laura may actually be one of the two most useful members of Team Danni #226.
Not limiting herself to pre and post race remedial massage, Laura will be a huge compliment to the work being done by Sonja Dyason in the supporting stakes. Laura has had a good preparation as she warmed up at Ironman Canada, supporting two athletes. Laura is no stranger to going the hard yards as she was on course to witness Scott Malone going sub 5 hours on the bike leg and then proceeding to walk the entire marathon in Penticton.
Laura is also a former champ of the University of British Columbia’s annual Storm the Wall event. Laura’s inside knowledge on how to overcome the wall, could prove invaluable if Danni hits it on race day.
You can count on Laura and Sonja to still be standing in the finishing chute cheering on athletes right up to the 17 hour cut-off, well after Danni has finished her day.