Prue Young: Triathlete and Critical Care Flight Paramedic Sharing Her Journey as an MS Warrior and Competing in the Ironman World Championships in Kona

In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Prue Young, a remarkable triathlete and critical care flight paramedic who exemplifies resilience and determination. As a proud warrior living with multiple sclerosis (MS), Prue has not only faced personal challenges but has also triumphed in the world of endurance sports.

From her journey as an athlete to competing in the prestigious Ironman World Championships in Kona, Prue shares her inspiring story of perseverance. As a New Zealand representative, she has pushed through the barriers of her diagnosis to achieve incredible feats, including completing Ironman events and other endurance challenges. 

Join us as Prue discusses her experiences in triathlon, the intersection of her career and athletic pursuits, and how she continues to inspire others in the face of adversity. 

This episode is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of chasing your dreams against all odds!

 

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Show notes

• Who is Prue
• Insights into her childhood in rural Dunedin, New Zealand
• Growing up with outdoor adventures like climbing trees, kayaking, skiing, and camping
• The influence of her parents in fostering her love for the outdoors
• Her involvement in sports during her school years, including water polo, hockey, and swimming
• Participation in the Duke of Edinburgh programme and how it introduced her to tramping and mountain biking
• Her early aspiration to become a doctor, inspired by a childhood incident
• Why she shifted her career focus from medicine to paramedicine
• How a suggestion to volunteer with St John Ambulance started her paramedic journey
• Prue’s path from volunteering to becoming a fully qualified paramedic
• The challenges of balancing work, study, and personal fitness while pursuing her paramedic degree
• How exercise became her outlet during busy and stressful periods
• Her initial exposure to triathlons during high school
• The role of a colleague in encouraging her to participate in a women’s triathlon
• Overcoming fears of road cycling and embracing triathlon training
• Completing her paramedics internship and rediscovering her love for sports
• Writing a bucket list and setting ambitious fitness goals
• Competing in New Zealand’s Coast to Coast multi-sport competition
• The components of the Coast to Coast event
• How Les Mills RPM classes rekindled her interest in biking
• Her journey from gym fitness to full Ironman triathlons
• Finding fulfilment in the outdoors through triathlons and endurance challenges
• How triathlons helped her manage stress and stay physically active
• The importance of community and support in her sporting and professional life
• The mental and physical challenges of transitioning to a high-intensity paramedic career
• Insights into balancing career demands with maintaining personal fitness
• Her reflections on resilience and adaptability through life’s challenges
• How her love for the outdoors continues to shape her lifestyle and career
• How she discovered her love for triathlons and embraced the joy of physical challenges
• Her first Ironman experience in March 2018
• The balance between overcoming challenges and enjoying the process of competing
• The influence of her postgraduate studies to her training routine
• Reflections on her second Ironman and how pressure impacted her enjoyment and performance
• Balancing work, study, and training while managing life changes
• How she shifted her focus from Ironman to the Coast to Coast multi-sport event
• The new challenges she faced learning to kayak
• The unique blend of skills and fitness required for both triathlons and multi-sport events
• How Prue attempted to take on both the Coast to Coast and Ironman in 2021
• The impact of COVID-19 restrictions on events and how they reshaped her plans
• How Prue’s journey took a major turn with the onset of symptoms leading to her MS (Multiple Sclerosis) diagnosis
• The early signs of MS that she experienced, including changes in sensation and strength
• Prue’s journey to understanding and managing her MS diagnosis
• The importance of finding joy in the process, even amid setbacks and challenges
• How Prue continues to approach life and sports with a positive and determined mindset
• Prue’s journey to the Ironman World Championships and overcoming challenges like injury and fatigue
• What it was like competing in Kona during COVID-19
• Highlights of being part of an inspiring athlete ambassador panel
• The joy and energy of the Ironman check-in process and race day atmosphere
• Her experiences with the swim, bike, and run segments, including battling heat and headwinds
• Supporting fellow athletes during the marathon with advice and encouragement
• The emotional and unforgettable moments
• Prue’s victory dance at the finish line and the camaraderie with volunteers
• How she showed that hope and determination lead to incredible achievements
• Final words of advice

 

Social Media

Instagram @ms_adventure_heli_medic