The superfit Elle now lives in Brisbane but overweight and living in Mount Isa in 2015, doctors told her that if she didn’t make drastic changes she would die. At 184 kg she had diabetes, sleep apnoea, blood pressure problems and couldn’t walk 100m without having to rest.

“I was weighed at my doctor’s surgery I was expecting 120kg max,” Elle said.

“Well... I was wrong, in fact the scale wouldn't even weigh me. It read error and my doctor then informed me that I was too heavy for the scale.”

Elle was given life-saving gastric sleeve surgery but knew that it wouldn’t be enough to change her life.

“I met a lady who had had surgery two years prior but had put everything back on and more,” she said.

“She didn't change anything about her lifestyle or diet. I said to myself it wasn't going to be me.”

After peaking her interest by attending a triathlon in the Isa, Elle made the decision to jump in the deep end by registering for her first race at Australia’s toughest sprint triathlon, Dirt n Dust.

“Dirt n Dust was my first proper tri, it was my first actual race, it was nerve-racking, that water looked so scary and I’m a swimmer,” she said.

“But the best thing I could have done was go out there the day before and have a swim. That's when I realised it’s actually not as bad as it looks. On the day I was cool, calm and collected.”

Elle said Dirt N Dust was was such a great event she really enjoyed it.

“The crowds are amazing, all the way through even out there on the ride course,” she said.

Elle, who has gone on to lose 120 kg, has documented her journey through her social media and blog.

Elle’s Journey to Good Health has over 27,500 followers who have watched and been inspired by her weight loss and fitness training.

Elle has also become well known to national audiences, making appearances on The Morning Show, Today Show and This Time Next Year with Karl Stefanovic.

Elle has gone on to compete in Cairns Ironman, Noosa Tri, Busselton Ironman as well as half and full marathons but the Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival has always held a special place in her heart.

“When I was approached [to be an ambassador] I was filled with joy,” she said. 

“This event is so close to my heart, it is where this whole tri journey started for me, it is where I fell in love with this sport that has changed my life forever.”

As well as being ambassador Elle will compete in the South32 Senior Triathlon on April 14.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing all of my friends from out west and definitely watching the Best Butt Competition,” she said.