This year’s Dirt N Dust category runner-up said her aim was to place in the top half of the competition held in Mooloolaba. 

The triathlete who can only claim New Zealand as international locations she has raced at found herself competing among 82 different nationalities. 

“It was just a really good vibe, an awesome experience,” Gowing said. 

“Everyone earned their place to race. You couldn’t buy your place. 

“It probably hit me a bit (at the start), ‘oh my god, I am racing in the world champs.” 

The 1.9 swim leg started in an unusual place for Gowing – 100 metres from the shore.

She speculated that the odd position which avoided running into the waves may have been for the nationalities unused to those conditions. 

It was not psychologically daunting for Gowing. 

However, Gowing was mindful that she had not prepared for swimming as much as the other legs due to a recent closure of Mount Isa’s Splashez Aquatic Centre. 

Her aim was to swim behind another competitor to conserve energy for the later legs. 

Often at the start of the swimming there could be bumping between competitors which can break the stride, but Gowing found that she was able to transition smoothly. 

She was satisfied with her time as she entered her stronger leg, the cycling.

Her aim was to overtake as much as she could in the 90 kilometres.  

The cycling began with slopes before continuing onto the highway.

Gowing estimated that she overtook approximately 30 places before reaching the running leg, which she attempted to enjoy as much as she could.

The 21.1 km leg ended on a downward slope where her supporters cheered her on.  

Gowing said competing in the world championship was a “big tick off the list”.

The firefighter now focuses on her return to the academy, where she studies for 14 weeks.

She also is transitioning from a move from Mount Isa to Townsville. 

Gowing will spend time in Brisbane and aims to compete in an upcoming Gatorade Tri series. 

“Once I graduate from the academy I will look for something else,” Gowing said. 

Her dream is to enter the Ironman championship in Hawaii next October. 

“I have to find the right time to achieve that," Gowing said. 

But Gowing also has intentions on returning to the Dirt N Dust triathlon next April. 

Gowing was a former winner of the Dirt N Dust but lost her title to former World Champ bronze medallist Liz Blatchford. 

Gowing aims to outdo Blatchford next year.