Triathlete Sam Warriner is heading in a new direction.
The former world number one has confirmed to 3 News she's giving up racing in the International Triathlon Union to concentrate on longer distances, and that could see her race in Ironman New Zealand next year.
Warriner loves motivating others, often travelling the country in her role as a Sparc ambassador to talk to up-and-coming athletes.
Now it's Warriner who's motivated by a new career move.
"Opportunities have come up in America," she says. "I've been racing really well in the half-ironman distance… five races, five podiums, which is just unbelievable, and I'm enjoying it."
And that's led Warriner to give up racing in the ITU World Cup .and World Championship series.
The former world number one says it was a tough decision.
"It's been a real hard week this week making the decision. Had to make some tough phone calls to tell people, that's been really hard, and there's been a lot of tears, a lot of emotion.
"But now I've made the decision I'm committed, I''m really looking forward and there's only one way to go and that's forwards and up."
Warriner sits second in the new Rev 3 series in America, which consists of one Olympic distance race, one half-ironman and the final race, and a full ironman in September.
It'll be her first ironman, but the world championships in Kona next year is already a goal, and she may race Ironman New Zealand next march where she would likely take onKkiwi ironman greats Gina Ferguson and Jo Lawn.
"I respect them for doing so well in ironman over the years. I've got to learn about the distance. I've got to give it the respect. But who knows, I'll give it my best shot if I come up against those two great athletes."
You can be sure Warriner would be extremely motivated for that.
3 News