Brielle Cooper
24
YEARS OLD
QLD
BURLEIGH HEADS MOWBRAY PARK SLSC
7th
2022/2023 SERIES
swim
STRENGTH
Bio
At only 18 years old, Brielle Cooper became the youngest IronWoman ever to win a Nutri-Grain Series. Her victory came just one year after making her debut as a professional IronWoman, which saw her place 18th overall in the 2017 Nutri-Grain Series. Training under Michael King at Burleigh Heads / Mowbray Park, Cooper has a passion for sharing her love of surf sports with the next generation. She is currently studying to be a primary school teacher and works as a teacher’s aide.
Brielle, how old were you when youstarted surf lifesaving and why?
was 8 years old when I started nippers at Kurrawa SLSC. I finally convinced my Mum and Dad to let me join up after a few of my friends needed an extra team member for a surf teams race!
Who was your hero growing up in surf lifesaving?
Courtney Hancock. I loved the smile at the end of every race and her passion. I’m now lucky enough to swim train side by side with her everyday and race my idol.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
Dean Mercer once told me that everytime you put your foot on the line there’s 8-10 people just happy to be there, 2-3 people happy to come top 10. That leaves 5-6 other people willing to put it all on the line to win. So put your head down and be one of them.
Your advice for aspiring Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain athletes?
Dream big! Find a supportive inspiring club, coach and training squad and work as hard as you can.
Who is your greatest competition in the Nutri-Grain Series?
The standard of women racing in the Nutri-Grain Series is incredible. Everybody is a threat.
What do you think about during a race?
One step at a time. First the start, then back of the break and then first can. Break it down into small parts.
Brielle, what is a high and a low in your Nutri-Grain IronWoman career?
High: Winning the Ironwoman Series in 2018 and also earning my spot back into the series last year.
Low: Falling off the auto qualification for the Nutri-Grain Series in 2020. This then made me work extremely hard make changes to my program which has overall made me a better athlete.
Do you have any pets?
Yes a beautiful Border Collie puppy named Isla!