“Calm the farm, mum”

A Heartwarming Moment from NZHL XRACE Taupo

Our first ever visit to Taupo was memorable in more ways than one. On that sunny Wednesday evening in February, one team embodied the spirit of NZHL XRACE.

Commonwealth Games silver medalist and Olympic triathlete Sam Bradley (nee Warriner) lined up in the start house next to her 11-year-old daughter Lola (pictured above).

Sam is long since retired from professional triathlon and has been a regular visitor to XRACE, jumping over the island to our Napier event.

This time on home soil, Sam and Lola were making their way around the XRACE course  and at the penultimate challenge, tie-tying ,Sam’s super competitive instincts started to take over the team dynamics.

Then, a moment of pure Kiwi charm unfolded, Lola, the daughter - stands up for herself amidst her mother’s growing frustration and settled things down for the team.

“Calm the farm, mum” was all Lola needed to say.

Sam checked herself, realising this was not the 2008 Beijing Olympics, she wasn’t competing against the fastest and fittest woman in the world - she was racing with an even greater teammate - her daughter and Lola wanted this challenge to be completed correctly.

It was a beautiful moment and Sam got to experience what all XRACE families can appreciate - being right beside her assertive teammate, her daughter and got to see firsthand - resilience and self-confidence in Lola.

Every aspect of every challenge is all about one major dynamic - to develop self-esteem and greater resilience in our Kiwi kids.

Well done to Lola and also the Sam.