Trailblazing a Path through Triathlon to Multi-Sport Excellence

Written on the 11 February 2025 by Abby Wijesekera

South West Sydney Academy of Sport Triathlete Zoe Bruce is no stranger to conflicting commitments, challenges and stepping outside of her comfort zone as she helps pave the way for the future of multi-sport athletes. While mastering a single sport is a challenge for many, Bruce thrives in the demanding world of multi-sport competition, excelling in both triathlon and All Star Cheerleading, demonstrating the value of character in pursuing one’s ambitions.

As a Triathlete, Bruce tackles the physically and mentally demanding disciplines of swimming, cycling, and running – all within the same single “race”. This test of endurance and strength also requires significant mental resilience, “Triathlon is a lot more mental than physical,” Bruce explains, adding that, “When it comes to race day, it comes down to your mental fitness.” Taking on this mindset has equipped her with the mental toughness to navigate not only race day, but also the external pressures and challenges faced by high-performance junior athletes, who are juggling sport, school and social commitments. 

Bruce’s journey into triathlon began after a recommendation of a friend at her local club, Macarthur Triathlon, after having a successful venture in cross country running. It was not long before her passion and drive within triathlon became evident. Then, in 2021, she joined the South West Sydney Academy of Sport, an experience that has helped her develop both as an athlete and as an aspiring professional. “Being part of the academy is not just about triathlon,” reflected Bruce, “It’s about learning what happens to athletes in the professional world and preparing for that next level.” 

Her dedication and embodiment of the academy values were recognised when she was awarded the prestigious Chairperson’s Award at the Academy Awards Night – the Academy’s highest accolade for an individual athlete. “Receiving the validation and accolades that I represent the academy values within not just my sport, but how I am seen to represent myself was very reaffirming to my character,” Bruce says, highlighting the significance of the honour. 

And it is her leadership traits in looking out for her teammates that shines through, even in Triathlon, while athletes compete fiercely during races, the bonds athletes form outside of competition are equally strong. “We are competitors in the race, but as soon as it is over, we can be best mates,” Bruce shares, emphasising the family-oriented nature of the sport. She also values the competitive drive it instils, stating, “I like always having somebody that I can chase and push me as much as I push them, then we both benefit and get better.”

Bruce’s passion for her main sport has led her to become an ambassador for NSW Triathlon, where she regularly promotes the sport through social media posts and activations, whilst encouraging others to take up the challenge. “I get to promote the sport that I love, which is a pretty easy job when you love what you are doing,” she says enthusiastically. 

Beyond triathlon, Bruce is also a dedicated All-Star Cheerleader, which is fast becoming a sport known for its high risk and intense physical demands. “It is considered one of the most dangerous sports with the highest injury risk,” she acknowledges, whilst admitting, “I get to put on a sparkly uniform and jump around whilst doing stunts and tricks, like being thrown in the air, which I think is pretty cool within itself”. Balancing both sports alongside her academic pursuits requires exceptional discipline and time management, with Bruce explaining that, “You can’t put all your eggs in one basket and just focus on school, for example, because then I will fall behind in my sport, or vice versa.”

Looking ahead, Bruce has ambitious goals in both her sporting and academic careers. She aspires to become a high school PDHPE teacher while also working towards her dream of representing Australia in Triathlon at the Olympic level. “If you don’t take the opportunity, it could be gone, and you may never get the same opportunity again,” she reflects, embracing each challenge with determination. 

With an unshakable mindset and an unwavering passion for her sports, Zoe Bruce is a name to watch. Whether in the water, on the bike, or on the track, she continues to push herself toward greatness one step at a time. 

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