No coach, no bike, no excuses: Aria Ite proves Pasifika power rising

Aria Ite didn’t let limited resources stop her from completing one of the world’s toughest endurance events.

Earlier this month in Taupō, Ite swam 3.8km cycled 180km, and ran 42.2km, to become an Ironman.

Speaking to Niu FM’s The Rush, Ite said her journey into endurance sport started from a place of feeling unfulfilled.

“I felt dissatisfied with my life outside of work… I’d finish work, come home, put on the TV, and just felt like I was missing that challenge.”

That search for something more led her to run in 2023, despite having no sporting background.

“I didn’t play any sports, didn’t do any exercise… I didn't know I couldn't run three kilometres.”

Aria Ite after completing the Taupō Ironman. Photo/Instagram

But what started as a small step quickly became something bigger. “It was more so a gradual unfolding in my running journey.”

From there, Ite worked her way up, from 5km and 10km runs to completing her first full marathon in Auckland in 2024, before setting her sights on Ironman.

“When I first saw those distances, it scared the heck out of me. But I applied the same mindset I had when I was training for my half-marathon.”

Her determination was tested early. Limited resources meant Ite has to figure things out on her own.

“I didn’t own a bike,” Ite said, sharing she purchased a second-hand one off Trade Me, while relying on online training plans, understanding she couldn’t afford a coach.

“But you push yourself to get going… you train yourself and you train your brain to be resilient, and it shows out on race day.”

After months of self-led preparation, Ite crossed the finish line - a moment she says still doesn’t feel real.

“I can’t believe it… I’ve actually achieved something I never thought was possible,” she said.

“You can’t fathom it… all that hard work over the past several months. That’s it, the moment is finally here.”

Alongside her training, Ite has documented her journey on TikTok, building a growing following and connecting with other Pasifika wanting to try endurance sports.

“Particularly in the triathlon space, I didn’t see anyone Pasifika doing that. Then it all started getting traction… and I got really lovely messages from fellow Pasifika females who want to get into triathlon.”

Ite said the response has been humbling. “It warms my heart, seeing how impactful sharing my Ironman journey has been.”

She also hopes her achievement challenges perceptions about Pacific athletes, saying endurance sport is a space Pasifika belong to too.

“We’re so capable… we’re capable of anything we put our minds to.”

While she’s already completed one of the toughest endurance events in the world, Ite isn’t done yet. She plans to return to running and improve her marathon times, inspiring others along the way.