Chat With A Ninja - Wiremu 'Woosa' Hollis

From Newbie to Member of the Year: Woosa's Epic Journey

In just over a year, Wiremu 'Woosa' Hollis has gone from tri newbie to Member of the Year, tackling Ironman 70.3 and Hervey Bay 150 while welcoming others with his big smile and heart. Here's his quick chat on passion, progress, and club vibes.

1. How did you first get involved with SSG Multisports, and what drew you to our swim group roots at Suttons Beach?

My very first Triathlon was the sprint at round 2 of the 4 part series of the Bribie tri 24/11/2024 I remember seeing 4 guys dressed in blue tri suits I was feeling out of my depth and after the first turn buoy thinking I had turned I kept swimming straight unaware that the current was pushing me in a different direction , after a mental race debrief I thought it necessary to find out how to ocean swim seeing Chat With A Ninja – Wiremu 'Woosa' Hollis the cool guys dressed in blue at the start of the race and finishing that race at the exact time as Nathan Pronger (Jodie’s brother) we had a great chat on the way back to the finish I remembered the SSG on the tri suits and started my Google and Facebook search

2. You've come so far in just over a year—from newbie to Member of the Year. What sparked your triathlon passion?

At 41 years old and over 120kgs, after more than two decades of copious amounts of smoking, drinking, and unhealthy eating, I decided it was time for a change. In September of 2024, I made the commitment to transform my life, setting a bold goal—completing an Ironman 70.3 within a year. Since then, I’ve completely turned my habits around. I quit smoking and drinking, embraced clean eating, and dedicated myself to training. So far, I’ve lost 20kg and continue pushing my limits daily.

3. What's the story behind your nickname "Woosa," and does it tie into your big smile or welcoming vibe?

Throughout my life I have had numerous amounts of nicknames from WOOSA, Will, Woody, Willy, Moo, bro, and also my professional name of Woo "Woosa” (adopted from bad boys 2 movie) is a slang term and mantra used to encourage deep breathing, relaxation, and calmness, often to release stress, anger, or anxiety I gave myself this nickname being someone who copes with severe anxiety when I started triathlon training so when I get called by it , it reminds me to ocean myself (Google ocean oneself) My real name that I was given is Wiremu pronounced wood a moo meaning “resolute protector” or “strong willed warrior” often borne by respected leaders and individuals, symbolizing strength and connection to both Māori and European translated to William

Woosa's journey from 120kg to race-ready

4. Tackling big races like Ironman 70.3 Sunshine Coast and Hervey Bay 150—what's your proudest achievement so far?

My proudest moments are all the little things from my son saying “great job dad” to my daughters feeling like anything is possible because dad does hard things all the time , to my wife being inspired to take action on her own personal goals a great example of being proud of myself is not having to be that dad who has to disappear for 10mins to sneak in a ciggy anymore after smoking for 25 years

5. As someone who's jumped right in to help newbies, what makes welcoming others so important to you?

I like the idea of being inspirational it’s far better then being the opposite

6. You're full of ideas and not afraid to start things—tell us about one initiative (like newbie rides or events) you're excited about?

SSG temporary body tattoos - Ninja buddies

7. Favourite bands or playlists for training—do you have a go-to song for tough ocean swims or long rides?

I can listen to a wide range of music it’s probably easier to tell you what I don’t like which isn’t much Death metal actually most heavy metal besides that surprise me I’m currently listening to a lot of UK drill , electronic , hiphop like Backbone by chase & status Talk of the town by Fred again. mask off by hvme here comes the hot stepper by ini Kamoze don’t stop me now by Queen till I collapse by Eminem

8. Favourite pastime outside triathlons (family time, hobbies, or relaxing after those epic efforts)?

Sometimes after big long hard days nothing beats being the little spoon and melting away in the arms of the one you love

9. Claim to fame—besides your rapid rise and big heart in the club?

I played Rugby and grew up around a lot of former All Blacks

10. Favourite Australian sports star, and why (perhaps an endurance icon who inspires your grit)?

Ky Hurst he was a pretty cool athlete

11. Pre-race ritual no one knows about (especially for events like Hervey Bay 150)?

I’ve had the idea of making a pre race shuffle dance to a song I listen to after I set up at transition to be a bit of entertainment for others setting up but more to cope with anxiety by being a bit of a egg

12. Biggest lesson from a tough race or training day—or how you've stayed motivated without getting discouraged?

“Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard”

13. Dream job if not crushing triathlons (something adventurous matching your proactive energy)?

World tour adventure guide

14. Favourite quote that keeps you going, like during those big challenges?

1. People aren't against you. They are for themselves. 2. Climb mountains not so the world can see you but so you can see the world. 3. You learn more from failure than from success. Don't let it stop you failure builds character. 4. The most dangerous risk of all is the risk of spending your life not doing what you want on the bet you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later. 5. Go where you're celebrated not where your tolerated. 6. The person you will spend the most time with in your life is yourself. So you better try to make yourself as interesting as possible. 7.if you accept your limitations, you can’t go beyond. 8. People often say that motivation doesn't last well neither does bathing. That's why we recommend it daily. 9. Everyone you meet is afraid of something, loves something and has lost something. 10. Comfort is the enemy of achievement.

15. Advice for new SSG members, especially beginners starting small like you did? (Keep it up—we love what you're doing!)

It’s your journey and it can be as adventurous and challenging as you want it to be , don’t let nerves or fear of embarrassment be what holds you back ! If you need advice or help send me a message! and I’ll get back to you as soon as I have finished swimming biking or running for the day if I don’t know the answer I generally know who does