Palmer qualifies as triathlon coach

Tereora PE teacher, and one of the islands top female triathletes Vanessa Palmer, has recently qualified as a Level 1 coach under the Triathlon New Zealand coaching scheme.

Palmer, affectionately known as Nemo because of her freakish swimming abilities, will be among the eight Cook Islands athletes taking on the challenge of the Port of Tauranga Half Ironman and a number of the athletes have been trained by Palmer including Rob Buick who had a terrific race and result at the Taupo Half Ironman earlier this month.

There are only 105 qualified and active Level 1 and Level 2 triathlon coaches in New Zealand.

“To have her as a coach with a physical education teaching background here in Rarotonga assisting some athletes is a bonus for the sport,” local triathlon president Geoff Stoddart said.