"I feel like I’m the athlete I wanted to get back to being."
It was meant to be a confidence-building swim in Lake Burley Griffin,but it ended in a water police rescue.
Perth Triathlon Club coach Rob Suriano said it was a sad day for the sport in WA.
The Canberra school teacher hopes she can become the first Australian solo female athlete to finish the race,setting a target of 80 hours to finish.
The 22-year-old cross triathlete from Wamboin is preparing for a busy few months of competition.
A triathlon program that promised so much ended on the highest of notes for Australia as they stormed to the gold medal in the mixed team relay.