Pua Magasiva Becomes New Zealand’s Tough Mudder Ambassador
Pua Magasiva Becomes New Zealand’s Tough Mudder Ambassador
He’s the nurse we all love to watch on Shortland Street, but he’s not just a pretty face – he’s also fit…and very, very tough.
Tough Mudder today announces that Pua Magasiva will be the Ambassador for New Zealand’s inaugural event on April 26 and 27 in Auckland. On both days Pua, who is renowned for his physical aptitude, will be on the start line warming up the keen participants and rallying their motivation to grind out the 20km course. As a qualified personal trainer, he’ll also be providing training advice in the build-up to the event.
Littered with obstacles including mud, fire, ice-water, a greasy quarter-pipe and live electrical wires, Tough Mudder is a challenge designed to test all-around strength, stamina, mental grit and teamwork.
Tough Mudder began in the United States in 2010 and quickly established itself as one of the most gruelling endurance events on the planet. Events are now held in countries worldwide, and hundreds of New Zealanders have completed Tough Mudder events overseas.
Born in Samoa, Pua is one of New Zealand’s most loved actors, probably best known for his role as Shortland St nurse Vinnie Kurse.
The younger brother of Australia-based Kiwi actor Robbie Magasiva, Pua partially credits his big brother for inspiring him to become an actor - it was Robbie who signed up Pua to an acting agency when he was a teenager. Pua quickly went one better to pick up roles on TV, commercials, films,Sione’s Wedding and Sione’s 2: Unfinished Business, as well as a number of theatre productions.
Of his role as Tough Mudder Ambassador, Pua says, “When I was first presented with the opportunity to do Tough Mudder I immediately wanted to be part of it. Fitness and wellbeing are a huge part of my life, and this is a seriously good way to get fit, challenge myself and push me further than any everyday training programme would. I also love that I can help others do the same.”
Drew Ward, Senior Vice President for Tough Mudder in Australasia says, “Tough Mudders are not afraid to get dirty and push themselves beyond their physical limits. Pua’s keen interest in fitness, qualification as a personal trainer and ability to get stuck in to a challenge made him the perfect fit for Tough Mudder.”
2014 sees more than 60 Tough Mudder events taking place globally. Pua is on the start line at Tough Mudder’s inaugural New Zealand event at Hampton Downs on the weekend of April 26 and 27.
Keen? You can still enter at http://toughmudder.com.au/events/2014-auckland-nz.
ENDS