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Regional | Health

Iron Māori overall individuals won by brother and sister duo

Brother and sister duo, Sarai and Josh Hemara from Ngāti Raukawa have crossed the finish line first at this year's half Iron Māori taking out the top individual spots in their categories.

Crossing the finish line in first place was a goal achieved by 28-year old Josh Hemara.

“It's not easy, that's the part that people don't see, I train nine times a week to 12 times a week, in the pool early morning before everyone is up going to work, I work 40 hours, and then I cycle or run in my lunch hour and I do it all after work as well, it's not easy but I love it too much to quit.”

Following not too far behind him is younger sister Sarai who won her division for individual female.

“I tried to beat him out of the water but he was just too quick for me but he had an amazing race as well he's walking around he seems to be fine but I'm struggling, it was really good it's a good family event.”

Both he and his sister are not long back from the World Triathlon champs in Mexico representing NZ where she won silver and he took out fourth place.

Joash says, “it’s awesome racing on the world stage and competing for NZ but it's awesome to have Hemara on my chest as well and take it around the world.”

It's now time for some well-deserved rest after today's effort before they turn their attention to preparing for the next world champs in Europe next year.