Suzie Hoitink and her family all train for triathlons together

NOT having been taught how to swim properly as a youngster meant competing in triathlons was a daunting prospect for Suzie Hoitink.

NOT having been taught how to swim properly as a youngster meant competing in triathlons was a daunting prospect for Suzie Hoitink.

But the businesswoman and mother-of-two was determined to plunge right in – along with husband Alex – after watching their two daughters succeed in the gruelling sport.

Now the Drummoyne family trains together – cycling, swimming and running.

Suzie, Alex, Grace and Ellie love triathlons.

Amazingly, Suzie, 40, and Alex, 42, have been selected to represent Australia at the upcoming World Triathlon in Chicago in September, along with their 18-year-old daughter Grace.

Younger sibling Ellie, 15, will travel with the family and keep up her strict training schedule while overseas.

“I absolutely can’t wait, it’s huge,” Mr Hoitink said.

Mrs Hoitink won a 2012 Telstra Business Women’s Award for her company Clear Complexions.

She only took up competing in triathlons last year.

But she had to overcome “emotional barriers” to learn to swim in open water. “I did think, am I going to be able to do this?” she said.

“Especially when you look and see another 150 women on the same wave all battling to get around the buoy.

Each week, the family train for 10-12 sessions, including the Bay Run and at Drummoyne Pool.

She said competing alongside family members will be a “fantastic experience”.