Danielle McKenzie

29

YEARS OLD

QLD

BMD NORTHCLIFFE SLSC

5rd

2022/2023 SERIES

ski

STRENGTH

Stats

Name: Danielle McKenzie (Dani)
Competitive club: BMD Northcliffe SLSC
Original Club: Mairangi Bay SLSC
Best round of 2022/23: Rounds 3, 4 & 6 - 3rd
Best series finish: 2021/22 Nutri-Grain Series, 2nd
Aussie Titles Results: 2022 - Open Ski, Open Board Relay, Open Mixed Double Ski 2019 - Taplin Relay, Board Relay 2018 - Ski Race

Bio

Danielle McKenzie challenged herself at many different sports growing up as a kid on Auckland’s North Shore (NZ).  An avid Rugby Union fan, McKenzie has been a part of the iconic Australian Nutri-Grain IronWoman Series since 2014. She is one of the few Kiwis to gain access to the Iron Series, with her best results being two 2nd placings in 2017 and 2022. She accomplished a long-time goal of a podium place in the Coolangata Gold in 2017 and again in 2019, becoming the first female New Zealander to ever podium.


Danielle, how old were you when youstarted surf lifesaving and why?

7. My dad took me down to the local beach to learn water safety and enjoy mornings with friends.

Who was your hero growing up in and out of surf lifesaving?

My Rugby hero was Daniel Carter. Surf Lifesaving wasn’t a big sport for us growing up, we were watching the All Blacks!

What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?

Never stop learning.

Your advice for aspiring Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain athletes?

Go the extra mile and find those extra 1%ers.

What do think about on the start line?

Focusing on my next move through the break.

What do you think about during a race?

Going as hard as I can and giving my all.

Danielle, what has been a high and low in your IronWoman journey?

High: Highs making the Nutri-Grain Iron Series as a Kiwi. Helping put Kiwi athletes on the map and showing them there is a way for them to compete with the Aussies.

Do you have any race day superstitions?

No – just chill.