"I told them I was way too old," she laughs. But, at the age of 48, Sue started to race. In her first year of competition Sue won the road race at the
BikeNZ national championships. She has followed this success with a bronze medal at each of the World Championships in 2010 and 2011. Her sights are now set firmly on the London 2012 Paralympics as she hopes to be selected to compete there for New Zealand. She'll be 51. "They say if you fall off a horse you should get straight back on.
I've kind of done that. Except I didn't just get back on it. I'm back in the saddle and now in training for the Melbourne Cup!" Her achievements are even more impressive when you consider
that she is competing against athletes who are 20 years her junior, and who are paid to train. Sue and her New Zealand teammates have to rely on the generosity of sponsorships to compete, which disabled athletes often find hard to get. Despite her against-the-odds success, Sue remains humble and
committed to maintaining the balance provided by combining her career and competing. Says Sue, "Keeping the two elements together is often therapeutic. I adore my job and would never want to give up being a vet. It gives me a break from the intensity of my training regime. But at the same time, if I've had a hard day at work, a good blast on the bike helps me out of it. "I'm a vet first, a competitive cyclist second. I'll still be doing
this job long after I've hung up my racing pedals." Annalie Brown
D
ynamic, charismatic, driven, focussed and unceasingly entrepreneurial, she has created
a businesses empire from her Waikato base that is the envy of many. But it hasn't all been easy and in this candid, engaging book she shares the strategies and tools that have got her to the top and that keep her there. Wise Heart explains the values that lie behind her drive for success: if you run a business with passion, drive and heart you will achieve your goals. Her book is a sure-fire guide for all budding entrepreneurs and business owners.
Sue's tips on living a great life • Have a close and supportive family • Have a job you enjoy doing • Eat well and exercise lots • Don't sweat the small stuff • Have a good balance of work and play • Make exciting goals to aim for
"Your book 'Wise Heart' is truly inspiring. I admire your ambition, your passion, your ability to pack so much into a day,
your straight up manner and your heart. Each chapter has given me something new to consider - thanks for writing an excellent business book."
Wise Heart - only $39.99 www. .co.nz
BE INSPIRED
