Meet a New Local – Kirsten Porter

Raised at Balliang East near Ballarat on a property, her mechanic Dad and school administrator Mum drove Kirsten 45 minutes to Geelong, 6 to 8 sessions each week. It must have paid off – Kirsten competed at Nationals in breaststroke and decided on a career in the industry.

Kirsten has just started work at our aquatic centre. She is a university qualifi ed exercise therapist with a speciality in injury rehabilitation and postgraduate qualifi cation in teaching. Her boyfriend Ryan has worked as a Civil Engineer in Gas Drilling at the mines in Moranbah for the last six months, so they have less travel time now to see each other.

Of Rainbow, Kirsten says, “It is definitely a lot quieter and relaxing, although I am busy at the pool. I talk the dog for a walk and am at the beach in no time. Everyone’s been very friendly, and knows who I am, asking me ‘how’s the pool going?’”

She was quite surprised at the amount of talent in the Warrior swim club– considering most haven’t competed before. “It’s pretty exciting, even in the pool at the moment we probably have fi ve kids that will go to state championships at the end of the year. “She is planning a swimfi t 3 day clinic in the school holidays. It will be a challenge for our squad with intensive focus on technique; but it is also aimed as an introduction for children who are apprehensive about swimming as a sport. There will be cross training, fi tness work, fun and games.

Kirsten has joined other Rainbow folk to train for the Sunshine Coast “Tough Mudder” and says, “It’s like a military inspired obstacle course. “(Editors Note: Sounds horrible to me – it is 16+ km of mud, fire, ice-water, 3m walls to climb and 10,000 volts of electric shocks. Underground mud tunnels are in construction in Caloundra now for the August event. They are expecting over 35,000 people to compete! It would be fun to watch.)

She also hopes to compete in open water swims – both Hervey Bay and Noosa offer them early this year (please let her know if you are keen). Ryan and Kirsten also plan to learn to surf, “I bought boards for my Partner and I – locals can have a good laugh when they see us try.”

“Ryan said the next time he’s here we’ll visit Fraser Island – everyone is telling us how lovely it is over there.”

Drop into the pool and welcome Kirsten, it’s great she has brought her skills and expertise to town!