Courtney Hancock and Nicholas Buchanan on secret to their relationship
This all-star couple open up on their relationship secrets including how they stay happy and the surprising thing they argue about.
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Ex-ironwoman Courtney Hancock and ex-cricketer husband Nicholas Buchanan are a picture perfect couple but the pair open up on their imperfections, relationship and the joy ahead as the prepare to welcome their first baby.
Nicholas Buchanan, 33
Profession: Ex-cricketer, now medical product representative
Courtney Hancock, 35
Profession: Ex-ironwoman, now surf club coach and sports media presenter
Together: Nine years
Married: 18 months
NICHOLAS BUCHANAN
How did you meet? At the Noosa triathlon. Courtney and I were both part of the legends Tri, it’s an incredible experience with athletes from all over the world racing together. I wasn’t meant to be there as I had a cricket event but last minute I decided to head up and I am so glad I did!
What was the first thing you noticed about her? Courtney was super friendly with a beautiful smile, she was talking to everyone and just seemed so bubbly and happy. As soon as she walked into the room she captured everyone’s attention.
When did you first know it was love?
I knew when I first met her that I had never felt this way before and so it didn’t take me too long to ask her out and I was just praying she would say yes.
What was your most standout date?
Our first road trip together was back to Courtney’s hometown of Sawtell. I fell in love with this place and to see how happy it made Courtney to introduce me to all her friends, family and her favourite spots was something I will never forget. It also gave me an understanding of why she loves the ocean, animals and nature so much.
What is the most romantic thing she has done for you? When I lived in Tasmania for two years Courtney came to visit me once a month. Even at the time she was in heavy training for the Coolangatta Gold and the Nutri-Grain series she put me first and flew down to see me no matter what.
What is the secret to a happy relationship? Having fun! You will both face challenges of course but if you can together always have fun and laugh it keeps you both individually happy which will reflect on you both in your relationship too.
Who puts the bins out?
We are a pretty good team in this way, together we share it all as much as we can.
What do you argue the most about?
Probably who gets to snuggle our golden retriever puppy Bambi on the couch at night or who is Bambi’s favourite. Bambi is very clever and takes this in turns.
What do you find the most annoying about her? When Courtney sneakily feeds Bambi treats or takes her to Pet Barn to buy her a toy, so she is the favourite haha.
Who does the most cooking?
Courtney is amazing with the shopping and cooking. She eats very healthily and ever since I have met her, she has helped me eat clean and nourishing foods.
What is the trait you like most about her?
How loveable she is to everyone in life. She has so much love to give! I can’t wait to watch her be a mum, our little baby is already so loved and she is going to be such a beautiful mum.
COURTNEY HANCOCK
What was the first thing you noticed about Nicholas? He was tall, dark and handsome; but first was his lovely manners, he had a real warmth about him with a beautiful smile. I am guilty to say it but when you know you know.
When did you first know it was love?
Very early on, we just seemed to click and even though we were both full on with cricket and Ironwoman we both always made time for each other no matter what.
What was your most standout date?
For me the simple dates, the ones where Nicholas has organised a picnic on the beach with pizza and our dog watching the sun go down.
What is the most romantic thing he has ever done for you? The proposal was so romantic. Down at Noosa beach where we first met, Nick on one knee, a rock behind me written in pink: “Will you marry me”, the most gorgeous afternoon and I had no idea about the whole thing.
What is toughest thing you’ve had to overcome together in your relationship?
When Nick was contracted to Tasmania for two years it was very early on in our relationship and both being professional athletes was tricky to manage to see each other but from that first day we both really wanted to make this work, and we did. I knew I loved him a lot because I had many two degree ski, board and Ironwoman sessions out in the water and anyone who knows me knows I really struggle training in cold water, but I knew he was worth it.
What is the secret to a happy relationship? Appreciating each other, celebrating each other’s happiness, working as a team and being selfless. We share loads of friends together who we hang out with but we also have our own time with our friends we grew up with, goals together, goals individually and time to ourselves even if it’s a 30-minute run a day. I think this is healthy and gives you time to work on yourself.
Who puts the bins out? Mostly Nick but if he has had a long day at work, I will do it.
What do you argue the most about?
We mostly laugh about something if we don’t agree on it but from time to time you do need to have areas of life that you must find a solution. I would say I am a bit too charged up and fill up my calendar 12 months in advance even though I know it’s way too much on my plate, I feel I can handle it; Nick knows me better.
What do you find the most annoying about him? Nick is such a nice person that I can’t get angry at him but then there’s me and I leave my clothes everywhere.
Who does the most cooking? We share this mostly. Nick is by far the better cook, his whole family is amazing, so I love it when he cooks. I cook healthy and simple which keeps us both on the healthy food train, but Nick has a gift in the kitchen.
What is the trait you like most about him? I have never met a kinder person. I love that he has a heart of gold, and he truly makes the world a better place. I don’t know how I got so lucky, but I know being with Nick has made me a better person.
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