A hamstring replacement and torn menuscus are two of the things that have held her back in recent times but she overcame those hurdles on Saturday with a superb outing at Canberra.

The nation’s capital meet wasn’t a regular race, rather the first step towards qualifying for the 2018 Australian Age Group Team event at the Gold Coast in September.

Quinn clocked the best time in her 50-59 age group, putting herself in pole position ahead of the three qualifying events to come.

“I’ve been doing triathlons for the last 13-14 years but I haven’t been doing much in the last three years because I’ve been injured,” Quinn said.

“Since October last year I’ve started up again and haven’t been feeling too bad.

“Last year I went to a Penrith event and didn’t tell anyone – I just went.”

It’s clear Quinn has been working hard in her own time as she hasn’t only overcome a host of serious injuries, but she’s returned to competition in winning style.

After growing up at Mudgee and living in town until she was 21, Narelle moved away for ten years before coming home.

It wasn’t until a few years after her homecoming that she took up triathlons.

“I was coaxed into doing a short course and that was good so I thought I’d do that for a season and then I decided to go into the longer course the year after,” she said.

“It’s hard to compete when I’m injured. I’ve only raced twice in the last three years. 2014 was my last race before this one.”

Quinn used to be involved with the Mudgee Tri Club and recently re-joined the Red Devils again but prefers competing in the longer events.

Canberra’s event, which operated under the Olympic triathlon format, was a 1.5km swim, a 40km bike ride and a 10km run.

Quinn knocked it off in 2 hours and 43 minutes which she ‘wasn’t happy’ with but she’s got five weeks to make improvements before her next race at Mooloolaba.

Quinn is unsure if she’ll compete at any of the upcoming Mudgee Tri Club events but the Red Devils could use her help as they have a huge inter-club race at Orange on Sunday.

It shapes as somewhat of a do or die proposition for Mudgee as it will be relying big performances from its key competitors.

Matt Webster has been a tower of strength for the Devils this season and will be challenged by hometown youngster Jack Bilton as the pair have developed a competitive rivalry this season.