Tony Jackson Scholarship recipient Daniel Frost admits that the nerves are starting to kick in as he counts down to the
Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain IRONMAN New Zealand in Taupo on March 3rd. The Hamilton electrician admits to a few butterflies
less than two weeks out from his second attempt at the event.
Frost was named one of two scholarship recipients in October 2017, his story one of incredible courage and then
disaster, when after losing 45 kilograms to make the start line last year, his bike disintegrated, and his race was over
almost before it had begun.
But thanks to girlfriend Kelly Sanford, the Tony Jackson Scholarship and the support of family and friends, he is
returning for a second and this time he hopes, successful tilt at the 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42.2km marathon.
“Life is busy, I am building a business and training for Ironman and the rest of life is all about time management, but
I’m getting through it.
“A few weeks ago, I was having some doubts, but I feel this is normal before a big race. I have now finished seven half
IRONMAN races, two of them this season. If some element of doubt wasn’t there, then something would be wrong. The doubt
was shaken free by a couple of really good long runs.”
Frost has enjoyed a reasonably successful build up, with three races to fine tune the training.
“I raced first up at Tinman late last year, it was my first Olympic distance event and I was amazed at my performance, I
was quicker than expected. I then took on IRONMAN Taupo 70.3 and while there was no swim due to the algae I was still
happy with my day.
“The final hit out was at the Port of Tauranga Half, I had a great swim and bike, cramped badly in the heat but still
shuffled to the end to make it seven times a Half finisher!”
The 37-year-old is taking a simple attitude into the big day on March 3rd.
“I have a plan for the 3rd of March and that simply is to bloody well enjoy it and celebrate all the progress I have
made!
“I had my last big session on the weekend, then I’m in to taper. I’m ready for the fight, just the two final weeks to
enjoy and finalise details.
“The support through my friends, family and the scholarship has been overwhelming and humbling. I am very grateful for
this. I have not really had any major hurdles along the way, just the odd niggle, but I am looking forward to the day
coming around now.”
Those nerves are also helped with the knowledge that he is on a new bike for the big day, one that has served him well
in training over recent months.
ENDS