Hayden Cotter
20
YEARS OLD
QLD
MAROOCHYDORE SLSC
N/A
2020/2021 SERIES
swim
STENGTH
Bio
Hayden Cotter started out on the water as a nipper at Mooloolaba SLSC in the Under 8s. Since then he has been making a name for himself on the elite swimming scene, being a member of the Australian Open Water Swim Team and making his Australian Open Water Debut at the 2019 World Championships in Gwangju, South Korea. In 2021/22 Cotter will make is Nutri-Grain Iron Series debut after an impressive performance during the Qualifying Round. When not out in the open water, Cotter operates his own cleaning business.
Hayden, how old were you when you started surf lifesaving and why?
Under 8s at Mooloolaba because my parents wanted me to learn surf skills living in QLD. I originally hated it but am still going strong 13 years later.
Who was your hero growing up in and out of surf lifesaving?
I have two, being a swimmer I always idolised Kieren Perkins as well as Ky Hurst. I am trying to emulate his achievement in open water and Ironman racing.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
What you put in is what you get out.
Your advice for aspiring Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain athletes?
Honestly, just keep at it. Work on the skills and just keep training. There are many many disappointments in surf racing especially with the waves and having the tenacity to keep going is very important.
What do you think about during a race?
Usually I do something silly in the craft legs so I’m just stressing about being last.
Hayden, what has been a high in your IronMan journey?
Definitely making my first Nutri-Grain Iron Series this season as well as making my first Open Ironman Final at Aussies 2021.
Do you have any race day superstitions?
No. I just deal with whatever happens.
Who is your greatest competition in the 2021/22 Nutri-Grain Iron Series?
I only just qualified for the series so I would have to say everyone. But ultimately Ali Day and Kendrick Louis as they are some of the best swimmers in Australia right now I believe.