Western Australia’s elite and U23 triathletes have once again shown their strength, and competitive spirit on the international stage, racing in tough conditions and stacked fields across two key events earlier this month.
Oceania Triathlon Super Sprint Championships – Runaway Bay (2 May)
It was a day of fast feet, sharp strategies, and smart recovery as the Oceania Triathlon Super Sprint Championships roared to life at the Gold Coast Performance Centre.
With stormy skies overhead and rain pooling across the course, athletes battled through an all-day eliminator format. They navigated heats, repechages, and semi-finals in hopes of securing a spot in the prestigious Super Sprint Finals on Sunday. The course featured a 250-metre swim, 7-kilometre bike, and 1.5-kilometre run, delivering exciting, high-pressure racing where every second counted.
Competing against a stacked field of Oceania’s top athletes, including defending champion Jayden Schofield, Australians Bradley Course, Lachlan Jones and Jack Woodberry, along with Kiwi contenders Saxon Morgan and James Corbet; our WA athletes gained invaluable experience at this high-performance event.
On the women’s side, the Kiwis were dominant, with Eva Goodison and Ainsley Thorpe both going undefeated through the rounds. Australia remained well represented, with Emma Jeffcoat, Charlotte Derbyshire, Aspen Anderson, Ellie Hoitink and WA’s own Kira Hedgeland all securing their place in the final.
Our WA athletes rose to the challenge:
Women: Sian Munks – 12th Ava Henville – 13th Rhianna Hepburn – 20th
Josh Neervoort reflected on the intensity of the event, saying: “It was a super fun event. The back-to-back nature of the race meant you couldn’t afford to make mistakes and had to be on top of your recovery between races.”
Christophe Gardner added: “Great fun, but quite hard.” – we feel that!
Asia Triathlon Cup – Subic Bay (3 May)
Just one day later, Samuel Mileham flew the WA flag at the Asia Triathlon Cup in Subic Bay, Philippines, finishing in an impressive 6th place among a competitive field of international elites. Known for its hot and humid conditions, Subic Bay’s standard distance course is a true test for all athletes.
“Overjoyed with this result,” said Mileham. “I believed, trusted the process, and gave it my all. It was one of those rare days where everything just clicked.”
Representing Singapore in the women’s field was WA athlete Herlene Yu, who showed incredible determination by finishing the standard distance race despite battling a fever and throat infection. Her experience is a powerful reminder of the perseverance required in triathlon, and that sometimes it’s okay to pivot your goals when things don’t go to plan.
“My goals immediately shifted and all I wanted was to finish the race. There were countless times where I wanted to walk off the course, but the desire to avoid a DNF outweighed all the negative thoughts. It wasn’t pretty, but I’m proud of myself for finishing in the infamous 34-degree Subic heat.”
Triathlon WA congratulates all athletes on their efforts and results. We’re proud to see WA athletes stepping up on the Oceania and Asian stages, racing hard, learning from each experience, and continuing their development in the elite and U23 ranks.
The Triathlon WA Annual Awards for the 2024/25 season will be a Sundowner function held on Sunday 25th May 2025 from 4pm – 7pm at the Claremont Hotel, Lvl 1 Grevillea Room & Balcony. Tickets on sale NOW!
Nominations are now open for the following Award categories:
Performance of the Year Award
Professional Athlete of the Year Award (NEW)
Community Coach of the Year
Coach of the Year
Steve Barrie Award (Technical Official of the Year)
Service to Sport Award
Life Membership
Other awards that will be presented, but do not require nominations from the community/public include the Chris Hewitt Memorial Award (President’s Trophy), Pathway Program Athlete of the Year Award and Technical Official Years of Service Recognition. Learn more about these awards in the Annual Award Policy below.
Eligibility, Nomination Period and Nomination Forms
In season 2024/25, the eligibility window for performances, events, and other services to be eligible for an Annual Award nomination is 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025 (12 months).
Nominations for awards will be accepted via the official nomination forms for a period of two (2) weeks, closing on Monday 28 April 2025.
To nominate for awards, please scroll to the relevant award category and hit the ‘Nominate’ button.
Life Membership
The award of Life Membership is the highest honour Triathlon WA can bestow on an individual and is awarded in recognition of those who have made an outstanding contribution to the existence or effectiveness of the association during their membership. No more than two Life Memberships will be awarded on an annual basis.
Life Membership candidates will have demonstrated contributions to the organisation over a minimum period of ten (10) years. If the nomination is successful, then the President of TWA will present the nomination at the Annual General Meeting for voting as per the Triathlon WA Constitution.
This award recognises the most outstanding performance by a Western Australian athlete in World Triathlon and Elite events between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025. To be eligible for these awards, nominees must be members of Triathlon WA at the time of the performance to be recognised and either hold a professional license, be an elite athlete, or be a categorized athlete. Finalists must be in good standing with Triathlon WA and AusTriathlon, and continually demonstrate high integrity standards, sportsmanship, and respect for all within the community.to select finalists. Finalists will then be presented to the TWA Board for selection of award winners.
This Award recognises the Western Australian professional athlete who attains the highest level of consistent performance in domestic WT Draft Legal and/or Professional Long Course Non-Drafting events between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025. The winner of this Award must be a member of Triathlon WA. Public nominations are not required for these awards.
2025 Oceania Triathlon Para Championships Mooloolaba
2024 IRONMAN Cairns
2024 IRONMAN 70.3 Busselton
2025 IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong
These awards need not be awarded every year. Dependent on the number of candidates, this award can be given to one male and one female person, or just one person for an “overall” award.
This award is intended to recognise individuals who demonstrate ongoing consideration, commitment and dedication towards coaching Triathlon WA members, and assisting Australian athletes to achieve significant competition success at Age Group and/or the High-Performance level. Supporting performances, results and proof of progression must be achieved between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 to be eligible.
To be eligible for this Award, nominees must be a member of Triathlon WA and hold a current AusTriathlon coach Accreditation (Development, Performance or High Performance) with all necessary qualifications and valid credentials at the time of nomination. Nominees must be in good standing with Triathlon WA and AusTriathlon, upholding high integrity standards, consideration for athlete wellbeing and showing respect for all within the community.
While nominees may coach international athletes, only performances of their Australian athletes will be considered. Nominations are accepted from members. Coaches may self-nominate for this Award.
This award is intended to recognise and honour a Western Australian triathlon coach who has shown exceptional commitment, inspiring and guiding athletes with unwavering dedication and enthusiasm, and contributing significantly to the development and success of triathletes within the community. This award highlights the coach’s impact on growth, progression, and wellbeing of Triathlon WA members and the broader community.
Triathlon WA will seek nominations from the members to recommend a coach for this award. Eligibility will be confirmed by Triathlon WA staff before presenting nominees to the Honours Committee to select finalists. Finalists will be presented to the TWA Board for selection of the Community Coach of the Year award winner.
To be eligible for this Award, nominees must be current members of Triathlon WA and a current accredited triathlon coach with all necessary valid qualifications and credentials at the time of nomination. Supporting performances, results and proof of progression must be achieved between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 to be eligible.
Nominees will be considered based on their coaching of age group triathletes and proven demonstration of engagement with athletes, high integrity & respect, community and commitment to growing the sport of triathlon in WA.
The Technical Official of the Year Award has been acknowledged since 2000. In recognition of the significant contribution life member Steve Barrie made to the sport, the Board renamed the Award in his honour in 2007.
The Steve Barrie Award recognises an individual’s valuable contribution to the technical program based on their regular participation in the Field of Play (minimum of four events in the season) and their contribution to the progression of the program throughout the season.
Steve Barrie was deeply passionate about triathlon and actively involved in all aspects of the sport. As a Triathlon WA Board member, Technical Official, coach, mentor, and long-time competitor, Steve’s dedication was unwavering, even while living in Albany. His commitment to supporting the growth and development of triathlon in WA was unparalleled.
The Service to Sport Award is intended to recognise an individual who has demonstrated outstanding service to the sport of triathlon over an extended period of time. This Award allows for recognition of an individual whose service may not been associated with Triathlon WA directly, but instead provided significant benefit to the sport at club, event or other association level.
In selecting a recipient, the Board will take into consideration: – Service to the sport over an extended period (minimum of ten years) – Service to the sport above and beyond what is normally expected – Significant leadership in the sport – Contribution to the enhanced standing of triathlon in the community – The recipient being in good standing with TWA
Nominations for the Service to Sport Award will be called for in conjunction with the call for Life Member nominations.
Individuals nominated for the Service to Sport Award will be assessed by the panel convened to consider TWA Life Memberships. The panel will present recommendations to the Board who will make final decisions on successful nominees. This award need not be awarded every year.
We are pleased to announce the appointment of three new Triathlon WA Board Members:
Mel Newcombe – Appointed Member
Mel is a communications specialist with more than 10 years’ experience in strategic corporate, consumer and crisis communications, issues management, community engagement and stakeholder management.
Mel has experience in providing strategic advice on complex projects across multiple sectors, including property and construction, health and aged care, and retail, and a proven track record in successfully creating and implementing communications strategies. She has proactively navigated through many high-profile situations, managing front-page issues, and a range of stakeholders and audiences.
Understanding people is at the heart of her approach to her work, which is balanced by strong business acumen to ensure the advice she provides is pragmatic and commercially sound.
Kristy Cameron – Appointed Member
Kristy is a dynamic and intuitive leader with a passion for people leadership and a proven track record in the medical device industry. With expertise in sales, clinical leadership, and commercial training within orthopaedics, she thrives on building strong teams, developing a positive culture, and implementing sales strategies that achieve impactful results.
A consultative and strategic thinker, Kristy excels in fostering relationships with key stakeholders and delivering positive outcomes. She is also committed to giving back, actively contributing to industry projects for not-for-profit organisations.
Beyond her professional career, Kristy serves as a Petty Officer Musician in the Royal Australian Navy Reserve, engaging in ceremonial and community performances across Western Australia.
Anastasiia Ploshkina – Appointed Member
Anastasiia is a passionate and motivated leader with over a decade of Australian and international experience across the mining and FMCG industries. She has worked in diverse environments, including head offices, shared service centres, and operational sites, bringing a well-rounded perspective to business challenges.
With a strong ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively, Anastasiia excels in solving complex business problems through investigative analysis, critical thinking, and strategic planning. Her consultative approach, combined with exceptional interpersonal and influencing skills, allows her to drive meaningful outcomes and foster strong stakeholder relationships.
Committed to health and safety, sustainable business development, and innovation, Anastasiia is dedicated to creating an inclusive and productive work environment where teams can thrive.
Board Members Stepping Down
We extend our sincere gratitude to outgoing Board member Ashlee Morgan and outgoing Treasurer Lauren McGregor for their dedication and expertise over the past few years. Their contributions have made a meaningful impact on our sport and the Triathlon WA community, and we truly appreciate their hard work and commitment.
Current Board Leadership Team
President and Chairperson: Brenden Koh (UWA) Vice President: Henrietta Farrell (Exceed) Treasurer: Richard Burnell (EFS)
Triathlon Western Australia is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) from interested and suitably qualified individuals to fill roles on the following Board Committees:
Triathlon Western Australia (TWA) is the State Sporting Organisation responsible for the development, promotion and governance of the sport of triathlon throughout Western Australia. TWA is a not-for-profit organisation which is governed by the Board of TWA and affiliated with the national body, AusTriathlon.
TWA’s vision is to create a happier, healthier and more connected community through triathlon and multisport experiences. TWA has a Board of up to five (5) elected and four (4) appointed directors, who set the strategic direction and oversee the organisation. The Board is made up of individuals who have a range of qualifications, skills and experience and encompass diversity in aspects such as gender, age, background and perspective. This supports best practice as outlined in the Australia Sports Commission’s Sport Governance Principles. In addition to the Board, there is a team of staff, led by the Executive Director, who is employed by Triathlon WA.
The Board is seeking to rebuild and expand the Committee structure that supports the work of the organisation. Each Committee has defined Terms of Reference, including the roles and responsibilities of the Committee. They all have the ability to make recommendations to the Board, however are not decision making authorities in their own right. The Committees tend to meet 3-4 times per year, in line with key events or timeframes of the Board.
People from a diverse range of experience and backgrounds are encouraged to nominate. This may include, but is not limited to the following considerations: • people identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander • persons with a disability that is ongoing • people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds • people of all genders • people identifying as LGBTQI+ • people currently living in a regional location in Western Australia
COMMITTEE DESCRIPTIONS
ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (NEW)
The Triathlon WA Athlete Advisory Committee (AAC) is a new subcommittee established by the Triathlon WA Board to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to: • The strategic direction for growth and retention of membership and participation. • Matters that impact members and participants at all levels of the sport, such as programs, education, communications, race calendar and more. The TWA Board is seeking up to eight (8) individuals to join this committee for a period of two (2) years: o Up to six (6) current age group athletes who have participated in at least four (4) sanctioned events over the preceding two (2) seasons o Up to two (2) current Open athletes that do not hold a professional licence o Up to two (2) current pro athletes, including para o Up to two (2) current Team WA pathway athletes o Up to two (2) current accredited Triathlon Coaches (Development or higher) • Where possible, membership should achieve a balance of athletes who represent a range of racing and training environments, and gender balance.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE (Formerly Women in Triathlon Committee)
The Triathlon WA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee is an expanded subcommittee appointed by the Triathlon WA Board to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to: • Advising on the strategic direction of diversity and inclusion for TWA. • Creating a culture that is welcoming and inclusive within the sport of triathlon. • Putting forward recommendations to increase participation in DLGSC targeted inclusion demographics of: women and girls, youth, First Nations, CaLD, disability, aged and LGBTIQ+, as per the strategic direction of TWA. The TWA Board is seeking the following to join this committee for a period of two (2) years: • Up to five (5) individuals who may or may not be a Triathlon WA member, and who have appropriate expertise and experience. A strong preference is to seek individuals who have diverse backgrounds and lived experience within the targeted inclusion areas.
HONOURS COMMITTEE (NEW)
The Triathlon WA Honours Committee is a new subcommittee established by the Triathlon WA Board to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to: • The endorsement and / or selection of members for Triathlon WA Annual Awards. • The endorsement and / or selection of members for any other appropriate state or national awards. • Review and make any recommended changes to various awards policies. The TWA Board is seeking the following to join this committee for a period of two (2) years: • Up to two (2) individuals who are currently involved in the sport at local, state or national level • Up to two (2) individuals who are TWA Life Members
CONDITIONS
• Nominees must be over 16 years of age • Nominees must complete the Nomination Form provided, which is submitted to the Executive Director by 5:00pm AWST Monday 31 March 2025 via email: mel.farley@wa.triathlon.org.au • All positions as a Committee member are voluntary and not remunerated. • You may sit on more than one committee at any one time. • Committee Members must declare their interest in any contractual, selection, disciplinary or other matter in which a conflict of interest arises or may arise, and will absent themselves from discussions of that matter and will not be entitled to vote in respect of that matter. • In compliance with current legislation, all Committee Members, where applicable, may be asked to provide a Working with Children (WWC) Check. If exempt from a WWC Check, candidates may be required to apply for National Police Clearance for Volunteers. Your nomination to the Committee indicates acceptance of this condition. • Committee Meetings are usually held in person at the TWA Office in Floreat, however venues may change and attendance via Teams video calls are also an option. Most Committees will meet 3-4 times per year.
HOW TO NOMINATE
All current financial members of TWA will be emailed EOI information, including the attached form which enables candidates to prepare their nomination.
Candidates need to: • Complete the attached Nomination Form • Submit via email no later than 5:00pm AWST Monday 31 March 2025
Once nominations close, all candidates will be reviewed by the relevant Committee Chair, the President and/or the Executive Director. The Committee Chairs will make a recommendation to the Triathlon WA Board, who will make the final decision.
Triathlon WA is seeking expressions of interest for up to two (2) interested and suitably qualified individuals to be appointed to the Triathlon WA Board for a period of two (2) years.
One (1) Appointed Board Position commencing in March 2025
One (1) Appointed Board Position commencing by June 2025
The Board plays an important role in the continued progression, improvement, and growth of the sport in WA and is in search of candidates with skills that align with the strategic direction of the organisation and complement the current skill mix of the Board. Board members contribute to the overall governance activities of the Board, including providing input on the matters of corporate strategy, policy formulation and implementation, Executive Director performance, as well as oversight of the financial performance, risk management and compliance.
To ensure that the Board has the right balance of skills to effectively lead the organisation into the future, TWA is seeking nominations from individuals with a range of qualifications, skills and experience, as outlined in the nomination form. It is also desirable for the Board to encompass diversity in aspects such as gender, age, background and perspective. All interested persons are encouraged to apply.
CANDIDATE SKILL REQUIREMENTS Interested candidates are required to demonstrate experience in any or all of Skill Set A or B or C or D. Additional skills listed below are highly desirable.
Triathlon Western Australia EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SportHQ, 203 Underwood Avenue, FLOREAT WA 6014 Ph: 08 9443 9778 Office hours 9:00am – 5:00pm Monday-Friday ONLY
We’re excited to bring you exclusive member discounts through our new partnerships with Arena Swimming, 361 Degrees, The Running Centre and LSKD!
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.
Redeem your Arena Swimming Discount Triathlon WA members can redeem 30% – 40% off all Arena products.
New user: 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
Existing Arena Account Holders: Go to “My Dashboard” on the Arena website and update your club affiliation to “Triathlon WA”.
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 From versatile trainers to carbon plate shoe designs, 361 Degrees goes one step beyond 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 Running Centre TRC have been part of the Perth Health, Fitness and Performance community since 2009. Their expert team help fitness enthusiasts, gym goers, walkers, runners and triathletes achieve their personal goals with evidence based advice and a curated range of shoes, accessories and sport products.
Redeem your Running Centre discount: Use the code TWA10 to get 10% off online. To redeem in store, simply show your digital membership card or proof of membership at the checkout.
LSKD LSKD (Loose Kid) is an Australian-owned and operated brand that prides itself in producing, high-quality, functional sportswear with a street aesthetic.
Redeem your LSKD discount: Use the code WATRI10-FPCREW at checkout to redeem 10% off all items (excluding sale and not available with any other offer). Use online only.
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
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
Existing Arena Account Holders: Go to “My Dashboard” on the Arena website and update your club affiliation to “Triathlon WA”.
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.
Summer really turned it up at Whitford Nodes Park for the Coastal Quest Triathlon on Sunday, December 8, 2024. Hosted by XTR Multisports, this adrenaline-charged event had something for everyone, featuring races like the Bolt, Draft Legal, Sprint, Duathlon, Aquabike, and the Kids Triathlon.
The Sprint distance event was the highly competitive Triathlon WA Senior State Sprint Championship, while the Draft Legal distance acted as a State Series race for juniors aged 16-19, and the Bolt distance for 12-15 year olds.
With temperatures rising and spirits soaring, athletes of all ages embraced the challenge, delivering a day filled with passion, perseverance, and plenty of personal triumphs. The competition was intense, the atmosphere electric, and the community support undeniable!
The Draft Legal distance was the first State Series race of the 2024/25 season for our junior athletes aged 14-19 years. 42 amazing juniors were at the start line poised for an incredible race.
MALES Jack Wicks (Mandurah) made an explosive start, emerging first from the 300m swim in a lightning-fast 00:04:17.52. A close chase ensued as Lachlan El Ansary (non-club), Luke Williams (North Coast), Ivan Nagel (EFS), and Liam Johnson (XTR) sprinted into T1 just seconds behind.
On the bike course, Nagel showed his strength, crushing the 14km distance in 20:57.38—over a minute faster than his competitors—and heading into T2 with a commanding lead.
The final 3km run brought fierce competition between Nagel and Caide Ellis (Mandurah). Step for step, the two athletes battled it out, with Ellis clocking the fastest run split at an incredible 00:10:30.32. However, Nagel’s consistency and strength across all legs secured the gap and his victory, placing first overall in a time of 00:38:16.45. Ellis finished in second with a strong 00:38:42.16, while El Ansary’s impressive performance earned him third in 00:39:13.33. Fremantle’s Cooper Smeulders showcased his talent as the fastest 14-15-year-old, finishing fourth overall, with clubmate Rhys Cameron completing the top five.
FEMALES Ella Rayner (North Coast), Ava Henville (Exceed), and Isabella Neervoort (Fremantle) made waves early at the Coastal Quest Triathlon, exiting the water within seconds of each other after a swift 300m swim. Rayner led the pack with the fastest swim split of 4:52.17, closely followed by the others and fellow North Coast-ian Gemma Gorton as they raced into T1.
On the bike, Henville dominated the 14km course, clocking a lightning-fast time of 23:10.92—over a minute ahead of her closest competitor, Olivia Smith (EFS). Meanwhile, Rayner kept the pressure on, making her presence felt heading into T2 as the field vied for podium positions.
Ava Henville continued her dominant performance, blazing through the run course in an impressive 11:33.64 to secure victory with a total time of 42:02.26. Olivia Smith delivered a strong run of her own, holding her position to finish second in 43:57.16. Lucy Henville, who started the race in eighth after the swim, showed incredible determination on the bike and run legs, closing the gap to claim third overall with a time of 44:49.34, just seconds behind Smith. Ella Rayner and Gemma Gorton rounded out the top five with strong performances across all legs.
TOP 3 BY AGE GROUP
Place
Male 14-15
Female 14-15
Male 16-19
Female 16-19
1
Cooper Smeulders
Olivia Smith
Ivan Nagel
Ava Henville
2
Luke Williams
Lucy Henville
Caide Ellis
Gemma Gorton
3
Liam Johnson
Ella Rayner
Lachlan El-Ansary
Megan MacPherson
Note: Draft Legal was the State Series distance for 16-19 year olds.
SPRINT – OPEN
MALES The race was off to a blistering start as Kurt Wesley (North Coast) powered through the 750m swim, emerging from the water first in 9:43.07. Hot on his heels, Reece Harris (Mandurah) made a swift transition, sprinting up the beach and past the timing mat in an incredible 9:42.86, narrowly edging ahead. This electric start set the tone for what would become a thrilling neck-and-neck battle throughout the race.
Christophe Gardner (non-club), Rhys Williams (North Coast), and Queenslander Kye Wylde were not far behind as they headed into T1 and onto the bike.
With just one second between their transition times, Harris and Wesley blasted onto the 20km bike course together, matching each other’s pace with every pedal. The competition was fierce, with both athletes pushing their limits at breakneck speed. Spectators at the event would agree; the boys were flying.
With only milliseconds between their cycle times—Wesley clocking 29:53.54 and Harris 29:53.72—the race was neck and neck as they set off on the 5km run. It was anyone’s game. For Wesley, this race was deeply personal; after years of chasing the top spot and multiple second-place finishes, he was determined to claim victory. Drawing on that motivation, he delivered an incredible performance on the run to break away and cross the finish line first in 58:37.14. Harris was just steps behind, finishing a remarkable race in second place with a time of 58:54.47.
Gardner surged into third place with an impressive run, crossing the line in 1:00:32.01. Kye Wylde claimed fourth, while Rhys Williams rounded out the top five with a strong finish.
Paralympian David Bryant (Stadium) crossed the line in 6th, taking a moment at the finish to share a hi-five with his wife and kids. Paul Mackay (ADF), Ronan Hays (Mandurah), Tommaso Puccini (UWA), and Joshua Fletcher (Exceed) followed across the line in that order, each finishing this challenging Sprint course strong.
FEMALES Sian Munks (UWA) was a force to be reckoned with in the swim, swimming like a fish and exiting the water to T1 in just 00:10:08.79. Jaz Hedgeland (Fremantle) and Madi Toovey (North Coast) were less than 20 seconds behind, followed by Ella Phelan (Stadium).
Toovey easily made up that 20 second gap on the bike, flying through the course in 00:33:24.51, with Munks now 20 seconds behind her. Hedgeland maintained her third position, with Phelan now three minutes behind the leader heading into T2.
Toovey had a faster transition time and an early lead on the run and legged it out onto the course. It was a nail-biting chase as Munks paced herself to try and outlast Toovey across the 5km course. The two battled fiercely for prime position, with Hedgeland and Phelan also closing in. They were nearly step for step and lap for lap.
In the end, it was Munks’ run prowess that allowed her to claw back the lead and claim the win with a time of 1:05:17.68. Toovey pushed hard but finished just behind in second place with an impressive 1:06:12.56. Jaz Hedgeland delivered a strong performance to cross the line in third at 1:06:37.08, followed by Phelan in fourth – rounding out the Open field.
Fastest Splits: – 750m Swim: Sian Munks – 00:10:08.79 – 20km Bike: Madison Toovey – 00:33:24.51 – 5km Run: Sian Munks – 00:18:58.50
BRYNT MCSWAIN TROPHY
2024 marked the 10th anniversary of honoring Brynt McSwain, a beloved Triathlon WA member and former State Champion, who tragically passed away in 2014. Each year, the Brynt McSwain Trophy is awarded to the fastest Open Male at the State Sprint Championship. The 2024 winner was Kurt Wesley.
Continuing a heartfelt tradition, Brynt’s mother, Snow McSwain, presented the award. This year was especially meaningful, with Brynt’s brothers Dayan and Tych also competing.
For Wesley, this win carried deep significance. Having grown up idolising Brynt, he has been inspired by him throughout his career. It was a personal goal to have his name engraved on the trophy, and at the finish line, emotions ran high as he shared a teary hug with Snow.
Snow thanked the community and shared a message to all competitors from Brynt, a motto he lived his life by.
“Be adventurous – take a risk. Be courageous – face your fears. Be strong – never give in. Have faith and believe in yourself. Your life is what you make of it, so make it what you want it to be. Don’t just imagine, create. Don’t just believe, achieve.”
FASTEST AGE GROUP SPLITS
Leg
Male
Female
Swim
Joshua Pedlow – 16-19 00:10:18.24
Emma Moon – 40-44 00:11:59.41
Bike
Bart Hollemans – 50-54 00:30:55.58
Melanie Wade – 35-39 00:35:08.68
Run
Brett Johnson – 40-44 00:18:00.91
Sophia Economo – 25-29 00:20:52.61
Note: Does not include any athletes with DSQ/DNF or Query results
Get ready for an action-packed day this Sunday, 8 December, as more than 560 athletes take on the course at Whitford Nodes, Hillarys, for the highly anticipated City of Joondalup Coastal Quest Triathlon! Hosted by XTR Multisports, this exciting event offers something for everyone, with distances including Bolt, Draft Legal, Sprint, Duathlon, Aquabike, and a fun Kids Triathlon.
Coastal Quest Triathlon is also our first State Series race of the season! The Sprint distance event will serve as the Triathlon WA Senior State Sprint Championship, bringing fierce competition to WA coast. For juniors, the Draft Legal Bolt distance is a State Series race for athletes aged 16-19, while it’s the Bolt distance for 12-15 year olds.
Coastal Quest is also a great opportunity for club members to earn valuable points in the Interclub Series, based on both participation and performance.
OPEN ATHLETES – SPRINTPREVIEW
The Open category for the Coastal Quest Triathlon boasts an impressive lineup of local talent.
Two-time Australian Paralympian David Bryant, fresh from his campaign in Paris, brings his elite expertise to the field, making him a standout contender. Hot on his heels are young guns Joshua Fletcher and Ronan Hays, both showcasing impressive skills gained from recent interstate and international racing.
Last season’s runner up, Kurt Wesley, and 2023/24 Open Triathlete of the Year Reece Harris, will be determined to claim gold this year on the fast-paced course. These two were neck and neck for the finish last year, with Wesley outpacing Harris by just 4 seconds in an exciting sprint finish.
Christophe Gardner, who finished 7th in 2023, will be eager to improve on his performance and secure a podium spot. Also lining up in the Open category are seasoned athletes James Lewin, Paul Mackay, Tommaso Puccini, and Rhys Williams, all strong contenders heading into the race.
The Open Female field promises an exciting race, featuring standout talents. Sian Munks, who secured second place last season, will look to build on her strong performance, while Ella Phelan, last year’s fourth-place finisher, will be eager to clinch a podium.
Returning from the Eastern States, WA-born Jaz Hedgeland brings a wealth of experience and is a strong contender for the title. Meanwhile, Madison Toovey, recently stepping up to the Open category, is poised to make her mark and is definitely one to watch.
The stage is set for a thrilling showdown as these incredible athletes go head-to-head! It’s anyone’s race!
JUNIOR ATHLETES – DRAFT LEGAL
Team WA and our Pathway program are well represented, with more than 40 Juniors aged 14-19 going head-to-head on the Draft Legal Bolt course.
BRYNT MCSWAIN TROPHY
2024 marks the 10th anniversary of honoring Brynt McSwain, a beloved Triathlon WA member and former State Champion, who tragically passed away in 2014. Each year, the Brynt McSwain Trophy is awarded to the fastest Open Male at the State Sprint Championship.
We are privileged to have Brynt’s mother, Snow, presenting the award, along with her sons, Tych and ClaytMcSwain, marking the 10th year of remembering Brynt’s legacy.
GOOD LUCK
Good luck to everyone racing! Give it your best effort, enjoy the challenge, and most importantly, have fun. See you at the finish line!
