Cox (49), a general practitioner in Ashburton, was an international cyclist from 1991-97 when she was a student at the University of Otago.
"Most women cyclists end their careers without families," she said. "I was fortunate and have three kids."
Cox gave birth to Veronica when she was aged 37, Jed when she was 40 and Isabel when she was 45.
She returned to Dunedin for the New Zealand Masters Games and won a silver medal in the double sculls with Catherine Kappelle (Cure).
When she was an international cyclist the popular diet for endurance athletes was high in carbohydrates. Cox was different.
She graduated as a doctor of philosophy in 1996. It was her third degree from the University of Otago. She also has a bachelor of science degree in biochemistry and physiology (1983) and a bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery (1987).
Cox's PhD thesis was critical of the dietary recommendations for endurance sport.
She explored the relationship between dietary fats, blood cholesterol levels and coronary heart disease risk.
Her most important research finding was that athletes who did a lot of exercise could have a diet high in saturated fats but their blood cholesterol levels did not increase and their performance levels were not impaired.
Cox is living proof that the diet works for her. She remains trim and has a lot of energy, which she now puts into her family, work and rowing.
"My diet is low in carbohydrates and high in protein and fat," Cox said. "I eat a lot of meat, dairy products and eggs and drink a lot of coffee and a bit of wine."
When Cox and her partner Justin Wall settled in Ashburton they returned to their first sport of rowing.
"Lake Hood is just alongside us," she said. "It is ideal for rowing."
Her life is centred on her work as a doctor, family and exercise.
"We've got a gym at home with a rowing machine," she said.
"I like to exercise with my kids. I run with them when they ride a scooter or a bike. I always involve my kids."
Cox is a versatile sportswoman and won a "blue coat" for a national title in the Canterbury Rowing Club's women's premier eight in 1982, before switching to cycling.
