A Wellington based partner in law firm Johnston Lawrence lawyers came 10th in her age group at the Ironman World Championships.

The event was held in Kona, Hawaii on 8 October.

The Ironman is a gruelling event. Competitors swim 3.8kms, bike 180kms and run 42.2km.

Natalie Gaskin

It was the second time Natalie Gaskin had competed after earlier racing in 2014.

“I crossed the line in 10th place in my category in a time of 10.38. If the “powers that be” had offered me 10th place this time last year, then I’d have taken the offer without hesitation,” she says.

That’s because she sat on the side lines for much of last year with a stress fracture in the neck of her femur.

“The biggest lesson I gained from my “injury sabbatical” was perspective. Challenges are what provide the opportunity to grow, to learn, to be resilient, and to see what you are truly made of,” she says.

Natalie also competed in the half Ironman in Queensland’s Mooloolaba in September. That included a 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21.1km run and she came 2nd in her division at that World Championship event.

So what’s next on the sports calendar?

“There are some changes ahead for me. I have some injury issues to overcome, and as soon as my body has healed I’ll be back on the start line.