Category: Latest News

With support from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, Triathlon WA have created a three-part online education series to help coaches and support staff build their understanding around supporting athletes with ADHD.

Held across January – March, these three sessions will explore what ADHD is and provide some much needed information for the sporting community to raise awareness and curiosity.

Session 1 – Monday 13 January- 5.30-6.30pm (AWST) | Understanding ADHD – this session will be facilitated by Fiona Alexander (from ADHD WA and REACH ADHD Coaching and Consulting) on understanding what ADHD is, how it might present for different people and how we can support neurodiverse athletes or people in our lives. Register Here.

Session 2 – Monday 10 February – 5.30-6.30pm (AWST) | Filling the gaps with ADHD Coach Meghann Birks. Meghan will speak to the challenges of ADHD in sport especially. Register Here.

Session 3 – Monday 10 March– 5.30-6.30pm (AWST) | Lived Experience –This story telling session where athletes, coaches and parents share stories of the impact ADHD had on their sporting journey to spark curiosity around how different coaching practices might help or hinder progression, or what support considerations might be useful to consider in your training environment. Register Here.

For any session enquiries, please reach out to Athlete and Coach Development Manager, Janine Kaye via email at janine.kaye@wa.triathlon.org.au

We’re excited to bring you exclusive member discounts through our new partnerships with Arena Swimming and 361 Degrees!
 
Arena Swimming
For over 45 years, Arena Swimming has set the standard for high-quality swimwear and equipment, with a focus on innovation and performance. Triathlon WA members can now receive 30-40% off Arena products including goggles, swimwear and more. Redeem the discount online or in-store at their Subiaco shopfront. Perfect for both training and racing, Arena’s gear is designed to help you perform at your best.

Redeem your Arena Swimming Discount

1. New Members: Register on the Arena Login Page by selecting “Club Member” and choosing “Triathlon WA”. Alternatively, you can click on this direct link – https://bit.ly/4dWhFS2
2. Existing Arena Account Holders: Go to “My Dashboard” on the Arena website and update your club affiliation to “Triathlon WA”.
3. The Arena Shop in Subiaco: Mention that you are a member of Triathlon WA and the same discounts will be available in-store 

361 Degrees
Introducing 361 Degrees, the latest running shoe brand combining competitive pricing with advanced design. From versatile trainers to carbon plate designs, 361 Degrees goes one step beyond (literally!) to deliver exceptional performance.

Redeem your 361 Degrees Discount
Use the code “TRIWA” for a 20% discount on all 361 Degrees products, including sale items (excluding clearance). Show your digital Member Card in-store to get the discount.

The iconic shores of Busselton are set to host some of the worlds finest athletes this weekend for the Ironman 70.3 Western Australia Asia-Pacific Championship. As the penultimate stop of the 2024 Ironman Pro Series, this race marks the 18th stop on the series, with just two remaining on the calendar. The points earned here will be crucial, and we’ll see nearly 80 pro athletes toe the start line.

Busselton has a longstanding history with triathlon and this event holds special significance for many West Aussies. With its flat and fast bike course and absolutely stacked start list, Ironman 70.3 Western Australia promises to be an exciting showdown of local and international talent.

Eight WA Pro men and one WA Pro woman are set to line up alongside a world-class field. See the full Pro start list here.

Triathlon WA caught up with some of our local Western Australian Pro athletes this week to find out what the experience means to them, and how they’re feeling in the lead up to race day.

DIMITY-LEE DUKE

Dimity makes her return to Western Australia this weekend, following a series of impressive recent results, including a 6th place finish at IRONMAN Malaysia in 2024, 19th at the IRONMAN European Championship in Hamburg, and 7th at IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu Lapu.

Reflecting on the significance of this race, Dimity shares, “It’s always nice to be home after a year of travel and finish off my season at my home race. There is definitely a star-studded lineup this year, and I am just looking forward to competing and racing to the best of my capabilities.”

However, Dimity’s return to WA comes during a difficult time for her. “It’s been a tough few weeks,” she said, as she recently lost her grandfather, who was from the Augusta/Margaret River region. “I was still overseas when he passed… so I guess my ‘why’ on Sunday will be to race from the heart for my family and friends in front of the hometown crowd.”

MATT BURTON

Busso legend Matt Burton will once again dominate the bike course this weekend. With an impressive record that includes a win at the 2024 Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship in Cairns, 2nd place at Ironman WA in 2023, 6th at Ironman 70.3 Melbourne, and 3rd at Ironman WA in 2022, Burton is a seasoned competitor who continues to shine.

For Burton, Busselton holds a special place in his heart. “Busselton is what the sport is for me,” he reflected. “It’s where it began and will long hold my greatest memories. The local support is something you appreciate more every year. An isolating endeavour for a large part, so to finish the year’s racing at home is as great an end to any year!”

With Ironman WA being included in the Pro Series this year, Burton is thrilled that Busselton will finally receive the global attention it deserves. “Quality athletes have travelled to Busso since the inaugural event, understanding the ‘flat, faster course,’ yet often leave with the understanding of why we call it the Wild West. No place like home.”

NICK THOMPSON

Nick Thompson has emerged as a rising force in triathlon, building an impressive resume that signals his readiness to challenge the sport’s elite. After placing 3rd at Ironman WA last year, Thompson went on to secure 21st at the Ironman World Championships and 8th at Ironman 70.3 Melbourne. His 2024 season has solidified his reputation as one to watch on the international stage, and this weekend’s event adds another exciting chapter to his journey.

Thompson grew up immersed in the sport, watching elite athletes tackle the Busselton course year after year. Now, as he lines up on the start line once more, this race holds a deeper significance.

“Ironman WA was always the event that you’d get so excited about going down to Busselton and watching as a young WA triathlete,” Thompson shared. “While it’s incredible to see such a high calibre of international athletes descending on Busselton this year, who I’m certain will perform amazingly as they have around the world, this event is much more than just a race for me.”

KURT WESLEY

This weekend marks Kurt Wesley’s first Ironman Pro Series race of the season, though it’s far from his first experience at the top level. A regular on the World Triathlon circuit and Busselton 100 podium, Wesley is sure to give the other pros a run for their money.

Reflecting on the upcoming event, Wesley shared, “We’ve been given a great opportunity with Busselton 70.3 being part of the Ironman Pro Series. I’m excited to face my first pro long course race in Western Australia, against a quality, world-class field. It’s a privilege to have so many athletes from around the world here, seeing our beautiful state, and I can’t wait to compete against them.”

HARRY SINCLAIR

Hailing from outback Australia, Harry has been making strides in the Long Course triathlon world in 2024 with recent results including 23rd at IRONMAN Calella-Barcelona, 7th at IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast, and 12th at IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong. He’s excited to be racing this weekend on home turf.

“I always had a dream of being a professional athlete, and like many kids in Australia, that dream started with football,” Harry reflects. “After not progressing past WAFL level and dealing with many injuries, triathlon gave me another chance to compete at the elite level. It’s an honour to be on the start list in my home state and race in front of family, friends, and an awesome community that is triathlon.”

JONATHAN SAMMUT

After overcoming significant health challenges, Sammut has made a strong return to the sport with renewed determination and grit. Recently, he placed 4th at IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast and 19th at IRONMAN Malaysia, solidifying his comeback on the professional stage.

For Sammut, the Busselton event holds a deeply personal significance. “It’s so much more than just a race to me,” he explained. “I’ve been coming to Busselton since I was a kid, watching my dad race and building so many memories here. The nostalgia I feel for this place and the event is unmatched. I’ve gone from aspiring to be like Courtney Ogden, running alongside him as he claimed his first Ironman WA win, to last year, when I circumnavigated the course and cheered on my best friend as he finished 3rd overall. This race means the world to me—just standing on that start line, surrounded by so much history and passion, makes me proud to call WA home.”

OLIVER TERRY

Fresh off a podium finish at the U24 Long Course World Championships, Oliver Terry is set to make his mark at this year’s Ironman 70.3 Western Australia. With a preference for the middle-distance format and a dedication to rigorous training, Terry is emerging as a strong contender in the highly competitive field.

“Four years ago, I completed my first-ever triathlon, the Busso 70.3,” Terry reflected. “Busselton is where my triathlon journey started, and after spending 2024 living here, I feel incredibly privileged to race in this field and welcome some of the best athletes in the world to a course I could race blindfolded. I’m hoping the hometown advantage can translate into a fast race.” With his roots firmly planted in Busselton and a deep connection to the course, Terry is poised for an exciting performance this weekend.

REECE HARRIS

After a breakout season racing on the World Triathlon circuit, and a recent 11th-place finish at the Noosa Triathlon, Reece Harris continues to build momentum and is looking forward to taking another big leap forward on his professional triathlon journey.

“Ever since I was a kid watching my first 70.3 Ironman in Mandurah, it has always been a dream to compete at the highest level of Triathlon,” Harris shared. “As I’m about to compete in my first ever pro 70.3 against some of the best triathletes in the world in front of a home crowd, I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity.”

KENJI NENER

Kenji Nener’s return to WA is a full-circle moment. Having grown up in Wesrern Australia and taking part in the WA Pathway program before making the move to Japan, Kenji recently raced Paris 2024 Olympics taking home a 15th place in the Elite men. Nener is now making his Ironman 70.3 Pro Series debut in Busselton. Ending his stellar 2024 season at home is a fitting conclusion for this world-class athlete.

The 2024 World Triathlon Multisport World Championship in Townsville was a standout event for Steve Norton, an experienced WA technical official who in August took leave from his regular job and completed a 12-day stint as part of the technical team. Despite the long hours and intense racing schedule, Norton described it as an experience he’d gladly repeat.

“Would I do it again? You betcha,” he said, reflecting on the event, adding that the event’s sunny 28-degree days with barely a hint of rain made conditions ideal.

As the Chief Bike South for age group races and Assistant Bike for elite races, Norton had a front-row seat to world-class competition. “Watching athletes from all over the world compete and meeting them was fantastic,” he shared, noting that being part of the team that helped officiate the event was a true privilege for him.

Even with specific roles assigned, officials jumped in wherever they were needed, working seamlessly to ensure the event ran smoothly. It was collaboration that made the experience so rewarding.

One of the highlights for Steve was seeing part of the long course run through the famous Townsville V8 track, typically closed to the public. “I think athletes and officials (and the motorbike riders) loved that experience,” he said.

Friendship was a huge aspect of the event for Steve. “Officials came from across the world. I got reacquainted with old friends, and made a lot of new friends along the way,” he said.

Steve was roomed with a fellow official named Troyce, who had travelled all the way from Canada and would be working as Chief Bike North. Though they had never met before, Steve and Troyce got on like a house on fire. The pair quickly earned the nickname “the bros” from the technical team. “We laughed all the time, made sure that everyone else laughed with us, went everywhere together, but still went about doing our role,” Norton recalled.

Reflecting on funny moments, Norton recounted a lighter side of the championship. “The most memorable experience for me…was convincing an English official that Drop Bears were real,” he laughed, adding that the tale still brings a chuckle to the team.

Summing up his time in Townsville, Norton concluded that “just being part of a World Championship is one of the most rewarding experiences that you can have.”

The EXSS Off-Road Triathlon was held on Saturday 9 November 2024 at Lake Leschenaultia, Chidlow. Despite a late start caused by traffic on the hill, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation—and the race didn’t disappoint.

Forty-five athletes took on the Long Course Triathlon distance, which served as the TWA Cross Triathlon Championship event for 2024/2025 season. This race was also a World Qualifying Event for the 2025 Australian Age Group Multisport Team (Pontevedra, Spain – Cross Triathlon).

When the start horn sounded, it was go time. Both men and women were off and racing.

Right from the start, Josh Pedlow set the pace in the water, emerging as the fastest swimmer (14:08.52), with Eric Aspeling and Suzanne Borrett close behind. Throughout the 2 lap course with an Aussie exit, Borrett held her own against the blokes – overall third out of the water in a blistering pace of 15:14.22.

As the race moved into transition, Josh sped through T1 and held onto his early lead.

The action really intensified on the bike course. Peter Jensen made up over two minutes on Pedlow and Oli Wright, surging to the front just as he hit T2. Bart Hollemans also put the pedal to the metal with a super quick cycle (58:07.55).

As the athletes hit the run course, Josh Pedlow reclaimed the lead on the first lap, though Oli Wright was hot on his heels. Like the Mixed Team Relay at Paris 2024, the final stretch of this race saw an incredible toe-to-toe sprint with a dramatic photo finish. It was between Pedlow and Wright in the final 800m, with Wright lunging at the line to outpace Pedlow by a hair’s breadth and snag the ribbon.

Peter Jensen, Eric Aspeling and Bart Hollemans rounded out the overall top 5 men with strong performances across the board.

The women’s race was equally thrilling. Suzanne Borrett displayed incredible resilience, leading with a fierce swim and closing with a fast run. However, powerhouse Michelle Carranza’s strong cycle placed her at the top of the podium in the end, just ahead of Borrett.

Joanne Sneddon, a non-member, impressed with an overall third-place finish after logging the fastest female bike split of the day, while Kinga Hague followed closely in fourth. Victoria Burrows Bilton rounded out the top 5 overall females in her first race back since becoming a mum.

This year’s EXSS Off-Road Triathlon was a showcase of grit, friendly rivalry, and impressive athleticism. Thank you to everyone who raced, volunteered, officiated, and cheered. Well done to Exceed Triathlon Club for hosting another successful event, and congratulations to our State Champions!

2024/25 STATE CROSS TRIATHLON CHAMPIONS

Due to the size of the event and competitor numbers, State Championship medals and titles were awarded to 10 year age groups as below.

FASTEST SPLITS OF THE DAY

SWIM:
Male – Joshua Pedlow 14:04.05
Female – Suzanne Borrett 15:14.22

T1:
Male – Joshua Pedlow 37.66
Female – Suzanne Borrett 1:07.94

BIKE:
Male – Peter Jensen 56:17.94
Female – Joanne Sneddon 1:10:09.14

T2:
Male – Neil Connan 18.40
Female – Victoria Burrows-Bilton 22.55

RUN:
Male – Oli Wright 20:37.94
Female – Suzanne Borrett 25:30.43

A call for nominations was circulated Friday 30 August, more than 45 days prior to the AGM, as per the Triathlon WA constitution. Seven (7) candidates submitted valid nominations, for three (3) positions, therefore a vote by the members at the Annual General Meeting was required.

Following the Triathlon Western Australia (TWA) Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 16 October 2024, we are pleased to announce the election of two (2) new Board Members, and the re-election of one (1) existing Board Member.

RESULTS OF BOARD ELECTION

Members of the Association had the opportunity to vote to fill three (3) elected Board vacancies. The three candidates elected were Henrietta Farrell (Exceed Triathlon Club), Richard Burnell (EFS Triathlon Club), and Leighton Cook.

Thank you to our other nominees Kelly Dewar-Matusik, Mel Newcome, and Greg Hire. The Board greatly appreciates the interest from all candidates, demonstrating their support of triathlon in Western Australia.

The Board would like to thank outgoing Board Members Bruce McCully and Emma Ridley for their dedication and expertise over the past two (2) years. Both members have added significant value across several key priorities of Triathlon WA. We wish them both well and look forward to seeing their continued involvement in the sport.

Henrietta Farrell – Re-Elected Board Member

Henrietta is a returning Board Member, recently having served as Vice President of Triathlon WA. Her previous years of board experience have prepared her to provide ongoing governance and strategic leadership.

Henrietta is currently Chief Customer Officer at the Department of Finance, leading a multidiscipline team of 65 to deliver whole-of-government programs valued at over $30 million. Prior to that, she was Head of Communications and Marketing at VenuesLive, setting the media strategy for Optus Stadium, after leading all media facing activity during construction of the stadium. Her well-developed relationships with local, national and international media helped establish an excellent reputation. Henrietta also has over 16 years experience with major international events, working in senior marketing and partnership roles at Telstra Rally Australia, Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games and London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games. She managed contracts, relationships and rights delivery for brands including adidas, Panasonic, Telstra, Optus, Qantas and Rio Tinto.

Henrietta joined the Triathlon Board in 2022 as an appointed member, before being elected by the membership at the 2022 AGM and becoming Vice President. She undertook the 2022 Constitution Review and was a panel member for recruiting for the Executive Director position. This experience gives her a solid understanding of the issues and opportunities currently facing Triathlon WA. She is passionate about being part of Board that understands and practices outstanding governance and consistently undertakes additional training and development opportunities to complement her AICD qualifications.

Henrietta joined the triathlon community in 2014 and remains an active competitor.

Richard Burnell – Newly Elected Board Member

Richard has a broad and deep experience and skill set developed in a variety of commercial positions with organisations in Australia and overseas. His most recent role was Executive Director of Fire and Emergency Services WA (DFES) where his responsibility covered all corporate functions (Finance, Media and Communications, Procurement and Contract Management, ICT, Fleet and Property Management, Human Resource Management and Cadet and Volunteer services) for 1,200 staff and 28,000 volunteers.

He is currently a Board Member of both the Fire & Emergency Services Superannuation Fund and Yourtoolkit.com, a not-for-profit organisation which provides support to women experiencing family and domestic violence. He also sits on the Audit and Risk Committees for both these organisations and chairs the IT and Communications Committee for Yourtoolkit.com.

Richard’s triathlon experience is extensive, having competed since 2000, and representing Australia at 14 age group World Championships. He is a current Technical Official and Assistant Age Group Manager for AusTriathlon (supporting athletes at Townsville, Pontevedra and Wollongong World Championships). He was a committee member of Fremantle Triathlon Club and EFS Triathlon Club and has served on the ITU/World Triathlon Age Group Commission.

Leighton Cook – Newly Elected Board Member

Leighton has a strong blend of academic, professional, and sporting skills to bring to the TWA Board. He has a degree in economics and business law and is a provisional member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, currently working at PriceWaterhouseCoopers. He has experience in tax advisory, consulting and compliance, working with a range of clients across different industries and sectors. He has a strong understanding of financial management, risk assessment and reporting. As a swimming coach at the Western Australian Institute of Sport, he has first-hand experience in highperformance sport, helping three athletes onto the Australian Olympic team for Tokyo in 2021.

Leighton has been involved in triathlon for over 10 years, competing in various events from sprint to half-ironman distances and was a member of the Triathlon Excellence Program in 2013/14, racing the junior ITU triathlon series in Australia. He has a keen interest in promoting the sport of triathlon to a wider and more diverse audience, as well as supporting the development and retention of talent within the state. He can also contribute to strategic, financial, and operational aspects, fostering collaboration and pursuing partnerships and sponsorships.

For more information about all TWA Board members, please visit the Board Page here.

CONFIRMATION OF BOARD LEADERSHIP TEAM

President and Chairperson: Brenden Koh
Vice President: Henrietta Farrell
Treasurer: Lauren McGregor

• Ashlee Morgan (Non-club)
• Steve Norton (Stadium)
• Eddie Oldroyd (Stadium)
• Richard Burnell (EFS)
• Leighton Cook (Non-club)

The 2024 State Duathlon Championships are set to take place this Sunday, 13 October, at Champion Lakes, with the EXSS Sprint Duathlon welcoming athletes of all levels. This exciting event features several race distances, including the Sprint Distance (5km run, 20km bike, 2.5km run), giving participants the chance to compete for State Championship titles and accumulate valuable points towards the 2025 Multisport World Championships in Spain. For those new to the multisport world or better suited for short and fast racing there is also a Bolt Course (2.5km Run, 12km Bike, 1.25km Run) and the Novice/Kids Distance (1km run, 6km bike, 1km run). Open to all ages and experience level, this family-friendly race is designed to introduce young athletes and novices to the excitement of a duathlon in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Triathlon WA (Standard and Premium memberships) are eligible to vie for the State Championship title and World Championship qualification. This allows our local WA athletes the unique opportunity to earn their spot on the world stage, proudly wearing green and gold at the 2025 Multisport World Championships. Members in the 16 – 19 age group and above will need to compete in the Sprint Distance to be eligible, whilst the 12-13 & 14 – 15 age groups are to compete in the Bolt Distance.

This weekend’s State Duathlon Championships will showcase a host of WA’s top multisport talent, with fierce competition expected across both the open and age group categories.

In the Open category, keep an eye on Sian Munks and Rebecca Puccini (both UWA Tri Club) and Ava Henville (Exceed) in the women’s field. For the men, Luke Bate (UWA) is in top form, with strong recent training, while Oli Wright (Non-Club) and Josh Pedlow (Exceed) will be aiming to make their mark. Pedlow, who placed 4th in the 16-19 category last year, steps up to Open this year, taking advantage of the policy changes.

In the age group categories, standout athletes include Matt Geneieve, who finished 3rd in the 45-49 group last year, and Russel Harris, the returning State Champion in the 50-54 age group. Darryl Harris, who has moved up an age group, is set to challenge last year’s 3rd place finisher, Richard Burnell.

In the female 40-44 age group, a competitive race is expected, with Renee Blackstock (Armadale), who finished 3rd last year, aiming for the title. She’ll be up against strong contenders like Emma Moon and Melinda Evans (both Phoenix), Mariet Harper (XTR), and Sabine Bird (Non-Club). Additionally, Katherine Ryan (Stadium), who claimed 3rd place in the 2023/2024 Triathlete of the Year series, will also be in action.

Noleen Treen (Exceed), who took 2nd in the 65-69 category last year, will be looking to capture gold this time around.

For the junior athletes, Shayne Houghton (Non-Club) returns after placing 4th last year in the 16-19 age group, and Megan Macpherson and Gemma Gorton (both North Coast) move up to the older age category this year. In the same group, Team WA athletes Will Cramsie (North Coast), Caide Ellis (Mandurah), and Alexander Gardner (Non-Club) will compete for the State Champion title.

In the 12-13 and 14-15 age groups, athletes will compete in the Bolt Distance, bringing with them months of hard work from the WA Junior Pathway Program. Expect some fast and exciting racing from these young competitors as they test their skills on race day.

For those yet to sign up, make sure you do so before Wednesday evening to be eligible for State Championships and World Championship Qualification Points. Participants must be an Aus Triathlon member (Standard or Premium).

For more information on the event, membership eligibility, or to register, visit the Triathlon WA website or EXSS Sprint Duathlon.