Goosebumps – Jane Mountford

Chumbawamba’s number one hit ‘Tubthumping’ is surely the theme song for Ironman athlete and Aussie Age Group World Champion Jane Mountford. She gets knocked down, but keeps getting up again. Nothing is ever gonna keep her down.

Introduction by Stef Hanson:

I had the pleasure of meeting Jane in Vancouver during the 2008 World Championships. We bumped into each other in a hotel foyer and by the end of the lift ride, I had to know more about her inspirational story. I hope you enjoy and appreciate it as much as I did.  

Jane’s story:

It was 1994 when I experienced the thrill of making the Australian team for the Worlds – not bad for a Pommie. However, while on a training ride, I took a hit – not by a mini, family sedan, or even a bus, but by a semi-trailer. Fortunately, the damage was a couple of breaks in my hip and a bit of bark gone. My physio said I’d still be able to compete at the Worlds, so it was four months later when I got back on the bike. 

Then, I took another hit. This time it was by a guy driving through a roundabout without looking. I wasn’t so fortunate with the aftermath though – I had a badly broken leg and it was three operations and three years later that I raced again.