Elizabeth Pluimers

Details

Category: Surf Life Saving

How did you become involved in your sport?

I joined Southport Surf Club when I was 9 years old after moving to the Gold Coast from Warwick. My parents wanted me to be safe in the surf so they signed me and my 2 brothers up. After a few early hesitations about the water and the surf I soon fell in love with competing and racing, especially trying to beat the boys in my age group! I did my junior years at Southport before moving to BMD Northcliffe as a first year U19. I've raced and trained there ever since, representing them at State, National and World Championships.

Who is your sporting hero?

Lance Armstrong

Age you started in your sport?

I started surf lifesaving as an under 9 in nippers.

Height, weight, age?

172cm, 63kg, 24 years old

Accreditations/degrees/qualifications?

Currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting, by correspondence through USQ.

What motivates you to continue in your sport?

I love to race and compete. This and trying to achieve my goals motivates me to train and race hard.

What motivated you to start your sport?

The love of competing and racing.

What is your current business/job?

I work as a trainee accountant at Baker Affleck Moffrey Accounting Firm on the Gold Coast. This is part time around training and studying.

Who do you race for?

BMD Northcliffe Surf Club

People that have inspired you both in sport and life?

My mum and dad.

Great experiences that have happened in your life?

Getting engaged to my partner whilst on holiday in Bali this year. Sightseeing around France with my fiance and friends from the surf club.

Your interests and hobbies?

Going to the movies and relaxing on the couch when I get some free time.

One tip or quote that continues to inspire you?

Be the best that you can be. Or... Don't let the fear of failure stop you in your tracks, instead learn to live with the odd failure and accept it as part of the challenge to keep going.

Family Background(where did you grow up) and Current Family

I was born and grew up in Warwick, Qld before moving to the Gold Coast. My mother is a nurse and my dad an electrician. I have 2 brothers, one older and one younger. My older brother is a chef and my younger brother, who still does surf lifesaving is also an electrician. I live with my fiancee Stuart Snell on the Gold Coast. He's a primary school teacher and also competes for BMD Northcliffe Surf Club.

Who did you idolize growing up?

Reen Corbet and then Kristy Harris.

Were you always one of the better athletes growing up?

Not particularly, I used to just make up the numbers. I was usually in the top 5 or so but it wan't till I was in U19 that I started to win races.

What is one thing you would share with the children wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Love what you do and train hard.

How has being involved/playing your sport changed your life?

It is my life! It has also allowed my to travel to countries like the UK, France, Germany, New Zealand, South Africa and Japan, which I otherwise would have never visited.

Who has been your biggest supporter?

My parents, my coach Dan Norton-Smith and my fiancee Stuart Snell.

Who has been your best coach?

Dan Norton-Smith. He coached me as a junior right though to being an open competitor and is still heavily involved in my training today.

Sporting Background and list of results/achievements?

At school I had a go at most sports, including netball, touch, rowing, volleyball, athletics, swimming and cross-country. I also represented South Coast District in cross country.

Favourite Foods/Diet you follow?

Anything pasta!

Your typical training split and favourite thing to train?

Training is split between swimming in the mornings, board and ski paddling in the afternoons 5 days a week. I also do gym and running training after and before these sessions. We also do specific ironman training twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Worst injury you have suffered?

I had a few, especially over the last couple of years. I've been hit in the back by a loose board in the surf and had 3 weeks out of the water with soft tissue damage to my back, hit in the back by a double ski and carted off the beach on a spinal board (but cleared later in the Ambulance) and hit in the stomach by a board causing me to nearly drown as it winded me so much. I've also had a DVT in my calf!!!!

What is the ultimate prize in your sport?

There are 3 main titles to win, the Kelloggs Nutri Grain Series, which I won in 2008, and World Championship Title and the Australian Championship Title. The Aussie title is probably the most sort after.

What do you find to be the toughest aspect of your sport?

The fact that sometimes the surf can be unkind.

What is your favourite movie?

Cool Runnings

What one lesson did you take from your parents?

Respect for the opposition, love the competition and to win and lose graciously.

How do you deal with temptation?

Give in! Life's short! And if it's that bad for me I'm probably not interested in it in the first place!

What is your favourite music/band/song?

Favourite artist - Pink

What is your biggest fear?

Drowning

Do you believe "never giving up" is the difference between making it and not making it in any sport?

That and the will to win.

Have you ever failed at anything? If yes how did you overcome this?

I collapsed 20m from the finish line in the 2009 Coolangatta Gold trying to hold onto third place. I ended up not finishing the race and being carried over the line on a stretcher, later vowing never to do the race again. However, after some time off and thought I came the back next year and finished the race in 3rd place and with a smile on my face!

What did you want to be as a kid growing up?

A netball player

Your future goals in your sports, and goals when you finish your sport?

Win the Australian and World Ironwoman title and represent Australia at the World Championships.

What is your worst fear?

I don't like cockroaches! Or insects for that matter.

If you could have dinner with 5 people who would they be?

Lance Armstrong, Kelly Slater, Hamish Blake, Sandra Bullock and my fiancee Stuart Snell (as he would like to meet Kelly Slater and Lance Armstrong and would hate it if I didn't invite him along!)

What is one item you cannot live without?

My bed

People you would like to thank?

Coaches, family, friends and supporters.

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