 Nyorai kuenderera mberi kweiyi ndima - Thirsk akahwina menduru yegoridhe mumamita zana kumusana pa1999 Summer Universiade, uye akazomiririra South Africa kumitambo yeOlympic ya2000. Achigara muUnited States, Thirsk akatamba yeYunivhesiti yeHawaii yekushambira uye yekudonha timu, inozivikanwawo seHawaii Rainbow Warriors, pasi pemurairidzi mukuru Sam Freas. 