Joanne Morgan was looking for a new challenge in multi-sport competition and found it when she provided a support system for a good friend at a world championship in Hawaii.
Morgan, a Prince George triathlete, credits Cheryl Moors with introducing her to the XTerra Canada athletic events, which allowed her to do something different after competing in sprint triathlons and Ironman competitions since 2002.
"The first time Cheryl went over to Maui in 2010 I went with her just to train with her before her race and I kind of got the bug as I experienced that race with her as part of her support group," said Morgan.
The race is the XTerra World Championship off-road triathlon this Sunday. Moors will return for the third time at the 18th annual world championship for professional and amateur athletes, while Morgan qualified for the first time at an XTerra event in Victoria this year.
Morgan began competing in 2002 when she completed her first sprint triathlon in Mackenzie and then five years later challenged herself with the Ironman Canada race in Penticton.
"It was hard, but it was fun to do when it was over," said Morgan.
The 54-year-old was the only woman to take part in the Prince George endurance competition, a combination of events held in the area, two years ago.
