Fulltime tennis coach Perry Crockett is still in shock after winning the Contact Tri Series major prize draw.
In each of the seven Contact Tri Series events this season, a competitor had been drawn to have a chance to win a brand new Suzuki Swift valued at $23,990.
At prizegiving following the final round of the series in Wellington, Crockett watched on nervously as the seven prize entrants were eliminated one by one.
When it came down to just him and another remaining, his heart was pounding. Then his name was read out as the big winner.
"I was absolutely stunned to be honest. I didn’t know what to say or do, it was unbelievable,” he says.
"My wife was there with me so we celebrated and then I called my mate in London who I did the Wanaka race with. He reckons he should get half the car because he convinced me to do it!”
He’s opted to take the Suzuki Swift in ‘Boost Blue Pearl’ colour.
Crockett, a native Australian, has lived in Wanaka for around seven years now and took part in the scenic Wanaka triathlon earlier in the season.
He is a fulltime tennis coach, and a former world ranked player himself after playing on the ITF world circuit and competing in many futures tournaments.
During his time in New Zealand he has represented Southern at the senior nationals and has won the Queenstown, Wanaka, Southland and Otago Opens.
While he’s now a mentor in the sport of tennis, he has also found time to develop a passion for triathlon.
Crockett is aiming to take part in the Wanaka sprint race again next season before stepping up to Olympic distance and then a half ironman.
"I ruined my knees playing tennis so it’s been a while since I’ve done any long distance running but I’m really loving it,” he says.
"As a fulltime coach it’s sometimes a bit hard to train for triathlon but I do my best. Tennis is much more of an anaerobic sport so it’s definitely a change!”
