Busselton put on a stunning show, with near perfect race conditions for IRONMAN Western Australia and IRONMAN 70.3 WA, held Sunday 7 December 2025 on the Geographe Bay coast.
In the men’s pro IRONMAN race, Britain’s Cameron Main took the tape in a superb 7:38:26. WA’s Caleb Noble (Stadium Tri Club) claimed second place after a thrilling late-race duel, finishing in 7:42:43, while Japan’s Jumpei Furuya completed the podium in 7:43:04. WA young-gun Nick Thompson (UWA Tri Club) had a very strong performance to finish fourth in 7:44:23.
For the professional women, Holland’s Lotte Wilms took a triumphant victory in 8:30:50, ahead of Britain’s Kate Curran (8:44:50) and France’s Anne-Sophie Pierre (8:46:48). Aussie Charlotte McShane was fourth (8:49:11), while Dutch star Els Visser finished fifth (8:52:22) in her final pro race, coming full circle as Ironman WA was also her very first pro race back in 2017.
It was also the final professional IRONMAN for legendary WA athlete Kate Bevilaqua (Fremantle Tri Club), who crossed the Busselton finish line in 10:22:33. She was supported by her GK Endurance crew, husband Guy Crawford, and many athletes she has inspired throughout her long course career. This isn’t the end of triathlon for Kate though. She’ll continue racing age group, and we can’t wait to see what comes next for her.
In the IRONMAN, the top 3 overall age group athletes (not pro) were:
1st Female – Laura Hemmings (40-44, 09:27:23) AUS 2nd Female – Aleisha Williams (30-34, 09:50:26) 3rd Female – WA’s Mikaela Kelsall (30-34, 09:56:54) Non member
1st Male – Patrick Roberts (25-29, 08:18:45) AUS 2nd Male – Oliver Laws (30-34, 08:38:45) QLD 3rd Male – Scott Connolly (40-44, 08:40:12) NSW
In the 70.3, the top 3 overall age group athletes were:
1st Female – WA’s Ella Phelan (18-24, 4:41:53) Perth Tri Club 2nd Female – Emily Kluge (30-34, 4:47:25) Non-member AUS 3rd Female – Micaela Harvie (25-29, 4:48:39) Non-member AUS
1st Male – WA’s Oliver Wright (30-34, 4:06:55) Rep GB 2nd Male – WA’s Mark Oakshott (45-49, 4:08:52) 3rd Male – WA’s Simon Morbey (25-29, 4:13:15) Rep NZ Congratulations to everyone who raced, and an extra cheer for those who finished their very first Ironman, 70.3, or triathlon at the event. We’re thrilled for you. A big shout‑out as well to the athletes who secured Kona or Nice qualification. Absolute legends.
Rob “Slim” Wiles has thrown himself into every corner of the sport. Over the years, he’s worn just about every hat you can imagine: Technical Official, Development Coach, athlete, volunteer, and mentor. Through the Perth Hills Triathlon Club’s novice program, Slim has become a trusted guide for newcomers, helping them find their feet and their confidence. He’s the kind of person who shows what’s possible in multisport, always championing its lifestyle and inspiring others
In 2021/2022, Rob marked an extraordinary milestone: 25 years of giving back to the triathlon community. It’s a testament not just to his passion, but to his commitment and the influence he’s had on the WA Triathlon community.
Name: Rob Wiles Triathlon Club: Perth Hills Triathlon Club (member for nearly 10 years)
What do you love most about being part of this club and the sport? I love the friends I have made over the years, and I continue to make.
How did you get involved in triathlon? Back when I was living on the east coast, a girl at the gym challenged me to do a triathlon. I’m someone who keeps my word, so I showed up on race day… and she didn’t! I went ahead and finished the triathlon anyway, and I’ve been involved in the sport ever since.
If you could have dinner with any athlete or person, living or dead, who would it be and why? It would have to be Robin Williams, one of the greatest comedians of all time! He made so many people smile and laugh.
What do you enjoy outside of triathlon? Outside of the sport, I am a serious rev head, I love motorsport especially sprint car racing. My hobbies are mainly Lego; it helps me relax and it’s also good for hand eye coordination!
What advice would you give to new members? The best advice I would give a new member of any club would be to try and stay in the sport longer than only 1 or 2 years, and try the other pathways like coaching or officiating. That way you will see the real benefits of our sport and make long lasting friendships with lots of people around the world.
What is one goal you have for the season? Seeing the athletes in my current novice course successfully complete a race this season. I have had 2 hand surgeries this year, so for me finishing the Karri Valley short course Triathlon in March 2026 and then the Busselton 25 in May 2026 will be a win.
The 25th Anniversary of the Busselton Festival of Triathlon (BFOT) is set to be an even bigger celebration, with the addition of the Australian Long Distance Triathlon Championships for elite, under 23 and age groups and the Long Distance Aquabike National Championships for age groups.
Up to 3,000 participants are expected as the event celebrates 25 years in Busselton from Friday 1 May – Sunday 3 May 2026.
2026 will be the first time since 1997 the Australian Long Distance Championships have been held in Western Australia. The men’s winner that year was Warren Milward, who is one of only two people to have completed all 24 long course events at Busselton.
The Australian Championships status adds to an already expanded festival for 2026 which, along with the iconic Busselton 100 and Busselton Aquabike events, will include four exciting new formats over two days;
The Festival is more than just a race – it’s a gathering of athletes, spectators, and supporters, all united by a love for multisport.
With multiple race distances and offerings, there is something for everyone aged from seven and up to enjoy.
Team options are available for the Busselton 25, 50 & 100 events, allowing participants to enjoy the experience with family, friends or colleagues.
The Busselton 100 is also the WA State Long Course Championship, and the finale of each triathlon season.
Two-time defending Busselton 100 winner and Western Australian local Nick Thompson, who recently finished fourth overall in the 2025 IRONMAN Pro Series will be aiming for a hattrick of titles as he continues to establish himself as a leading force on the world stage.
Triathlon WA Executive Director Mel Farley said, “We are delighted the Busselton Festival of Triathlon in its 25th year will crown the Australian Champions for both Long Distance Triathlon and Long Distance Aquabike. Reaching a quarter of a century of the event is a huge milestone and adding Australian Championships to the schedule only reinforces the event’s pedigree and will make the celebrations even bigger.”
“Entries for 2026 have already reached 1,100 and we look forward to welcoming the largest field in a decade to Busselton and the South West Region in May.”
“We extend our thanks to AusTriathlon for awarding us the Australian Long Distance Championships for the first time since 1997, along with our major partners The Western Australian Government through Tourism WA and the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport, the City of Busselton and Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association for supporting the event.”
Mandurah Triathlon Club’s Matt McKay is living proof that it’s never too late to chase greatness. A decade after first discovering triathlon, the Mandurah local has risen to become a formidable competitor on the local racing scene and the world stage.
At the 2025 Wollongong World Championships in October, Matt captured the Standard distance World Champion title in the 55–59 Age Category. Remarkably, he backed it up the very next day with a silver medal in the Sprint event.
Becoming World Champion stands as one of Matt’s proudest achievements, and the pinnacle of his triathlon career so far. While he thrives in the Standard distance, he’s also a fan of the draft-legal Sprint format, describing it as faster, more tactical, and far more social. One of his all-time favourite races is the Noosa Triathlon, in which he recently claimed first place in his age category for the third time.
Matt’s also no stranger to the WA State Series, having won Triathlete of the Year for his age group in seasons 2024/25, 2023/24, 2021/22, 2020/21, 2019/20, and 2018/19 – that’s 6 years of TOTY wins!
What makes Matt’s achievements even more impressive is everything else he juggles. He’s a husband, father of three, grandfather to eight, and the owner of Matthew McKay Earthmoving; it’s a thriving business he’s run for 25 years. Owning a business requires dedication and perseverance, which has transferred across to Matt’s sporting success. With his son recently joining the company, Matt’s been able to lighten the workload and dedicate more time to training.
Where it All Began
Before triathlon, Matt was still a very competitive athlete. He spent a decade as a high-level motocross (MX) rider until a snapped cruciate ligament forced a pivot. He transitioned into quad MX and then Enduro MX, disciplines that tested and proved his endurance long before he ever donned a tri-suit.
Ironically, it was cross-training for motocross, cycling and running to build stronger legs, that introduced Matt to triathlon. He joined the Mandurah Triathlon Club, entered a club race, and then took on his first major event: the IM 70.3 Mandurah in 2015. What began as a side activity quickly became a passion. A decade later, that “cross-training” has taken him all the way to World Champs.
Pre-Race Routine
Despite what you might expect, Matt doesn’t work with a dedicated triathlon coach. Over the years, he’s honed his training approach through trial and error, gradually learning how to strike the right balance of what his body can handle without burning out. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing, but this past year marked a turning point: Matt stayed healthy all season. He now consistently fits in around 14 hours of training each week. Consistency, he says, is king.
When it comes to race prep, Matt keeps things uncomplicated. Dinner is always Chicken Pad Thai, and breakfast is either Weet-Bix or oats. He swears by keeping it simple and sticking to what works. Sorry folks, no top secret formulas or magic potions here! Just hard work and knowing what works for his body.
Favourite Races and Plans for the Season Ahead
Matt has raced internationally several times, taking on the 70.3 World Championships in Nice in 2019 and Taupo in 2024. Nice proved to be a tough challenge, and he finished 77th. Taupo, on the other hand, was a standout performance where Matt placed 2nd in the world, making it one of his all-time career highlights.
Among his favourite events is the Noosa Triathlon, which he has completed seven times. At his most recent Noosa race, he competed alongside long-time friend and club mate Russell Harris. They came out of the water together after the swim, which they usually do, though Russell had decided to wear a swim skin for the first time. Matt ran through transition smoothly… Russell however, was still wrestling with his swim skin, which was still around his knees! whilst Matt breezed through transition, looking back over his shoulder, laughing to himself! It was one of those “you had to be there” moments of friendly rivalry. For Matt, it’s the banter and camaraderie that makes triathlon so fun.
Looking ahead, Matt has no plans to slow down. He will be competing in the TWA State Triathlon Series, with the first event scheduled for 30 November. His goal is to earn the title of Age Group Triathlete of the Year (for the 7th time!!) and then set his sights on the T100 on the Gold Coast in March.
We had the pleasure of chatting with Caroline (Carrie) Anderson from Stadium Triathlon Club, who recently won the Female 60–64 category at the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.
Carrie is one of the humblest athletes you’ll ever meet. A mother of two, a wife, and a full-time employee, she somehow still finds the time and discipline to train up to 17 hours a week during peak season. Would you believe she didn’t even start triathlon until she was 48? Her first race was at a Mandurah Triathlon Club event, where she caught the bug and hasn’t looked back. Coming from a running background, it’s no surprise that running remains her favourite leg.
Kona has been a long-held dream for Carrie, and this year marked her second time on the Big Island. Her standout moment was seeing her family during the marathon, appearing unexpectedly at various aid stations thanks to some inside knowledge from a local friend. After not seeing them all day, their encouragement during some of her lowest emotional points on the Queen K and in the Energy Lab, two iconic and gruelling stretches of the marathon, gave her the lift she needed to push through and win.
Carrie’s triathlon journey has taken her around the world, often alongside her husband John, her number one supporter, bike mechanic, travel agent, and manager.
Her daughter Katya Anderson is also a World Champion. Katya took out the 35–39 category at the World Triathlon Aquathlon Championships in Pontevedra earlier this year. Clearly, a very talented family!
Carrie’s motivation comes from feeling fit, strong, and being part of a supportive training community that keeps her coming back day after day. Right now, she’s enjoying some well-earned time off with her family, and yes, still sneaking in a few runs because she simply loves it.
Keep an eye out for Carrie at the Busselton 100 in May next year. And who knows, will we see her tackle another Ironman? She already has a spot for Kona next year, so watch this space. Well done Carrie!
Tomorrow, 8 November, the serene bushland of Lake Leschenaultia, Chidlow will transform into a battleground for off-road endurance as the EXSS Off-Road Triathlon hosts the 2025 WA Cross Triathlon State Championships. Athletes from across the state will converge on the Perth Hills for a morning of adventure. With trail names like Yeehaa, Woohoo, and Shakes n Ladders, competitors can expect a thrilling mix of single-track action and rugged terrain on the Lake Leschenaultia mountain bike trails. Athletes from across the state will converge on the Perth Hills for a morning of adventure. Testing their limits in one of the state’s most scenic and challenging off-road settings.
Weather Forecast Competitors can expect near-perfect racing conditions with temperatures ranging from 12°C in the morning to a high of 26°C. The chance of rain is minimal at just 5%, and skies are forecast to be mostly clear with light winds – ideal for both athletes and spectators. We will see you there!
Course Familiarisation Boosts Confidence Last weekend’s course familiarisation session proved invaluable, especially for those new to the technical bike leg. Riders had the chance to preview the terrain and connect with fellow competitors, setting the stage for a confident and well-prepared field.
Age Group Showdowns The 40–49 age group is shaping up to be the most hotly contested in both men’s and women’s divisions. On the women’s side, Kinga Hauge (Fremantle) and Sabine Bird (Stadium) are currently confirmed, though whispers suggest more may register today. For the men, a deep field includes Ian Moylan (Perth Hills), Mark Rademacher (No Club), Ben Procopis (Exceed), and Anthony Wales (Exceed) – all vying for leaderboard dominance.
Athletes to Watch
Sarah Thorpe (Fremantle) returns to defend her lead in the 30–39 age group.
Lizelle Smith (EFS Tri Club), fresh off the Multisport World Championships, leads the 50–59 age group, but will be challenged by Jo Kiddie and Erica Wilson from Perth Hills Tri Club.
In the 60–69 age group, Richard Burnell (EFS) and Mark Jenkins (Rockingham) will go head-to-head, both bringing international experience from Wollongong.
Elite Battles: Open Categories The men’s open race promises fireworks as Josh Pedlow (Exceed), a cross triathlon specialist recently back from the Xterra World Championships, faces off against Luke Bate (UWA), a seasoned World Triathlon campaigner. Expect a tactical and fast-paced duel.
For the women, Erin Driscoll (North Coast) and Billie Mincham (Fremantle) are the frontrunners. Billie’s recent representation of Australia in Italy adds prestige, while Erin’s consistent local form, including a fourth-place finish at the State Duathlon Championships – makes her a serious contender.
Whether you’re racing or cheering from the sidelines, tomorrow’s EXSS X-Tri Off-Road Triathlon & Duathlon at Lake Leschenaultia promises to be an unforgettable day in the Perth Hills. With championship titles on the line, world qualifier status, and a course that showcases the best of WA’s natural beauty, it’s the perfect opportunity to witness elite racing or even jump in yourself. Entries close at 5 PM today, so if you’ve been thinking about giving cross triathlon a go, now’s your chance to be part of something special. Come down, support the athletes, and soak up the atmosphere of one of the most diverse events on the triathlon calendar!
Following the Triathlon Western Australia (TWA) Annual General Meeting on Sunday 12 October 2025, Triathlon WA is pleased to announce the re-election of two (2) Board Members.
Members of the Association had the opportunity to nominate to fill two (2) elected Board vacancies. The two incumbents, Brenden Koh (UWA Triathlon Club) and Steve Norton (Stadium Triathlon Club), were the only candidates, and therefore elected unopposed.
Steve Norton – Re-Elected Board Member Steve has been involved in triathlon for many years, having served on the TWA Board from 2014-2019, and again since 2023, along with the Technical Reference Panel from 2015-2022 and again since 2024. As a Senior Technical Official for AusTriathlon and World Triathlon, Steve brings a unique skill set and wealth of behind the scenes event experience with him.
Brenden Koh – Re-Elected Board Member Brenden is returning for his fourth term as Board Member, including four years as President of Triathlon WA. He has opted to stand down as President, but will continue to contribute as a Board member to support a smooth transition of leadership to support the ongoing success of Triathlon WA. In his President’s Report at the 2025 AGM, he took the opportunity to endorse current Board Member, Eddie Oldroyd, for the position of President.
CONFIRMATION OF BOARD LEADERSHIP TEAM
Following the Board Meeting on 29 October 2025, the Board of Triathlon WA was pleased to accept Brenden’s endorsement and appoint Eddie Oldroyd to the role of President. The leadership roles of Vice President and Treasurer were reconfirmed as follows:
President – Eddie Oldroyd (term of appointment expires June 2026)
Vice President – Henrietta Farrell (term expires AGM 2026)
Treasurer – Richard Burnell (term expires AGM 2026)
For more information about all TWA Board members, please visit the Board Page here.
Board member roles on specific committees were also reconfirmed at the Board meeting.
Audit and Risk Committee – Richard Burnell (Chair), Eddie Oldroyd
Member of the Month is a new feature from Triathlon WA, created to celebrate the incredible people who make our clubs and our sport so great. To kick off the series Sue Libbis has been nominated – a proud member of the North Coast Triathlon Club for 20 years. Sue is an inspiring woman – an athlete, coach, and volunteer who balances work, family, friends, and racing.
We had the pleasure of connecting with Sue to learn more about her story, discover some fun facts, and hear some of her tips.
How long have you been a member of North Coast Tri Club?
Since my first race I guess, so about 20 years. I love being part of this club and have seen so many changes in the sport and in its members as well. Not to mention equipment! I was on the Committee for some time as a member and as Secretary and coached the WIT women in running for a few years which I loved. I have made many great friends, some that are lifelong friends for sure. But I also really enjoy the enthusiasm and energy that new members bring to the club. It is contagious!
Outside of Triathlon what other hobbies/interests do you have?
Training for Triathlon doesn’t leave me with much extra time (especially working full-time), but I do like to spend time with my family and friends, read and have done some amazing hikes in Tasmania in the last couple of years.
What advice would you give to someone new to the sport/
Go slow! Not on race day, but often new members go straight to 70.3 and IM events and burn out after a couple of years. Make time to take part in Club and Local events and really enjoy the triathlon lifestyle. Ironman distance is not going anywhere soon!
What is one goal you have for the season?
I guess we all just want to get to those start and finish lines injury free and really enjoy the vast array of events we are so lucky to have on our doorstep.
Funniest or weirdest thing to happen to you in a triathlon or in training?
There have been quite a few but the first super embarrassing one was my 2nd Busso Half where a friend and I (terrified of getting a puncture-something that has not changed to this day) decided to get some ‘goo’ put into our tubes…a couple of days before the event. As a result of pre-race nerves in the morning (which also hasn’t changed to this day) I somehow cross-threaded the valve and the green ‘goo’ squirted out at force all over my face and my wetsuit about 15minutes before race start. Fortunately, a very nice man changed the tyre while I was on the beach so that when I got to my bike it was good to go, and I continued the race with no further issues. Since then, I have rarely put air in my tyres on race morning!
What’s your go to post race or training food?
Ah, always hot chips and champagne when I can find them. That has been a longstanding post-race tradition
Do you have anyone you look up to/admire in the sport of Triathlon
After 20 years in the sport there are so many people who I have trained with, been coached by and simply chatted to that I wouldn’t like to name anyone, but I would like to think that they know who they are. Each person brings or has brought their own special qualities to the sport whether it is their talent, determination or wisdom. But of course, I love seeing the pros in action – watching Lucy Charles Barclay come charging out of the water in Nice was amazing! I guess that is what we all like to think we look like in action -‘ the Pros’, a pity we get so many photos that tell us otherwise!
We’re incredibly grateful to Sue for taking the time to share her journey, her wisdom, and a few laughs with us. Her passion for the sport and her commitment to the triathlon community truly embody what makes our clubs so special. Thank you, Sue, for being our very first Triathlon WA Member of the Month – we couldn’t have asked for a better person to kick off this new series!
If you know someone in our sport, whether they are an athlete, volunteer, technical official or coach who you think is worthy of this feature please let us know, we would love to hear from you, please contact jo.bennett@wa.triathlon.org.au
Sue & North Coast Tri Club Members before the start of the 2014 Melbourne 70.3
The 2025 World Triathlon Championship Finals in Wollongong wrapped in spectacular style with a massive Australian presence and thrilling results from elite to age-group competition. The event was held in NSW from 15 – 19 October 2025, drawing 2,639 athletes from more than 45 countries to the Illawarra coast.
Australia was represented by the largest Australian Team in our history, with 1,201 athletes lining up – the largest of any nation.
On Day 1 of competition (16 Oct), Wollongong came alive in green and gold as Team Australia exploded out of the blocks, claiming 39 world titles in the Standard Distance and Aquabike events. Aussies kept the party going on Day 2 (17 Oct) with another 15 World Champions crowned in the Sprint Distance races. On Day 3 (18 Oct), our paratriathletes put pedal to the medal with 2 more World Champions crowned. Then, on Day 4 (19 Oct), Matt Hauser triumphantly won Australia’s first Men’s World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) Title in 20 years.
Our WA athletes shone throughout the 4 days of competition, with many age groupers tackling multiple races and producing incredible results.
WA was very proud to have five representatives on the Australian Technical Team at Wollongong. Congratulations to Frank, Cathy, Sue, Steve and Gaye.
WA Officials Name
Role
Frank Stapleton
Head Referee for T100 and Elite Women + more
Cathy Hoare
Chief Age Group Transition, and read the Officials Oath at the Parade of Nations Ceremony
Sue Scott
Chief Drone
Steve Norton
Chief Run
Gaye McKean
Registration
Junior and Para Results
Seventeen-year-old Western Australian junior Ava Henville delivered an impressive performance, finishing 23rd in the Junior Women’s race and crossing the line as the second Australian female junior.
Sally Pilbeam delivered a powerful performance, narrowly missing the Women’s PTS4 podium with a commendable 4th-place finish. Meanwhile, David Bryant secured 9th place in the Men’s PTS5 category. Sally Pilbeam and David Bryant were part of Australia’s largest-ever para team at the Wollongong Championships, and it’s fantastic to see the strength of para sport continuing to grow across the country.
Matt Pilbeam supported Australian PTWC athlete Lauren Parker as her para handler, helping her secure her fifth women’s PTWC world championship title, followed by a silver medal performance in the Mixed Team Relay.
Age Group Results
A huge congratulations to all our WA Age Group athletes on their fantastic efforts, with a special shout-out to podium stars Matt McKay and Lily Van Raay.
WA Athletes Name
Age Group
Results
Susan Androvich
50-54 F
14th – Aquabike
Lise Ashton
60-64 F
15th – Sprint 7th – Mixed Team Relay 240-279
Kate Atkinson
45-49 F
15th – Standard
Daithi De Baroid (Rep. IE)
35-39 M
14th – Sprint 27th – Standard
Victoria Burrows-Bilton
40-44 F
14th – Sprint 11th – Mixed Team Relay 160-199
Kieren Birch
35-39 M
8th – Sprint 11th – Standard 15th – Mixed Team Relay 120-159
Kylie Black
45-49 F
22nd – Standard
Jordan Branch
25-29 F
11th – Sprint
Rebecca Brightman
30-34 F
37th – Sprint 7th – Mixed Team Relay 120-159
Richard Burnell
65-69 M
10th – Sprint 6th – Mixed Team Relay 240-279
Erica Duffield
40-44 F
39th – Sprint 33rd – Mixed Team Relay 160-199
Fiona Ellis
55-59 F
51st – Standard
Hayley Ferris
45-49 F
15th – Aquabike
Dianne Griffin
50-54 F
31st – Aquabike
Lisa Grinham
45-49 F
16th – Aquabike
Kinga Hague
45-49 F
18th – Sprint
Darryl Harris
60-64 M
24th – Standard 23rd – Sprint
Russell Harris
55-59 M
4th – Sprint 20th – Mixed Team Relay 200-239
Phillip Hays
55-59 M
13th – Sprint 5th – Mixed Team Relay 200-239
Ronan Hays
20-24 M
18th – Sprint 12th – Mixed Team Relay 80-119
Andrea Hopkin
45-49 F
4th – Standard 12th – Sprint 6th – Mixed Team Relay 160-199
Pip Laufmann
55-59 F
10th – Standard 16th – Sprint 5th – Mixed Team Relay 200-239
At just 19 years old, Josh Pedlow is already making waves in the triathlon and off-road racing scene. With over a decade of experience in the sport, Josh is forging his own unique pathway through travel and competition.
In the first half of 2025 alone, Josh has already delivered a string of standout performances. He placed 16th overall and 1st in his age group at Xterra Dunsborough, claimed 3rd in age group at the WA State Championships, and set personal bests of 2:05:30 in the standard distance and 59:30 in the sprint. He clocked a 16:50 Parkrun time and took home the win at the inaugural World’s Tallest Bridge Triathlon in China.
Humble Beginnings
A second-generation triathlete and proud member of Exceed Triathlon Club, Josh began his tri journey in the TRYstars program at age nine. He used a combination of freestyle, backstroke & breaststroke to get through the swim in his first race, and rode a BMX bike for the cycle until he was 11. “I never saw triathlon as a challenge. It was just fun,” said Josh.
As he grew up, his passion for BMX racing led him to pursue off-road cycling and cross triathlon as a natural progression of his skills. “I really enjoy mountain biking and trail running. You’re always focused, always in the moment,” Josh explained.
Josh’s journey has been shaped by the people around him. Growing up in the Exceed Triathlon Club community, he’s picked up advice, stories, and even second-hand gear from athletes of all ages. Inspired and supported by his father Ross, who has long been a club president, athlete, race director and coach, triathlon became a central part of Josh’s life. The rhythm of training continues to build his fitness, strengthen his mindset and keep him motivated.
Travelling Tales
After success in the local circuit, Josh has been exploring international racing opportunities in Italy and China so far this season. Living abroad has opened up his worldview and been a transformative experience.
“I’ve always lived in WA, and so getting to see and understand things from different perspectives is really important. It’s a skill I’ve really improved on as I have travelled,” he said.
Over the past few months, Josh has been training full-time in Suzhou, China with Trisutto coaches, while continuing to work closely with his father during visits to Australia. Training full-time alongside stronger, faster athletes has challenged Josh to lift his game and refine his skills, while also focusing on rest, recovery, and enjoying a well-earned break from work and study.
Josh claimed victory at the inaugural World’s Tallest Bridge Triathlon on 21 September 2025, a race unlike any other. Held on the newly opened Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge towering 625m above the Beipan River in Guizhou Province, China, the event was a spectacle from start to finish. “It was honestly crazy,” said Josh. “You start with flares going off over the lake, then climb 800m over 26km – it was steep!”
The race wasn’t just physically demanding; it was visually stunning. “The greenery in China is so vivid, I think better than Europe. Riding up, you look to the right and see valleys and rivers. I had a motorbike with a camera on me as I was leading – it was surreal, but I wanted to tell them to turn the camera around to look at the view,” said Josh.
Josh noted how different the atmosphere was compared to races back home. “In Australia, people often leave before the awards ceremony. In China, the community stayed, celebrated, and socialised. It made the whole experience unforgettable.”
Later that same month, he took on the XTERRA World Championship in Trentino, Italy, placing 23rd in the 18-19 age group. Held by Lake Molveno and the Brenta Dolomites, this course is renowned for its alpine water, steep climbs and downhills, technical terrain, and significant elevation gain on the run.
Josh’s race experience didn’t quite go to plan, and he risked the rims of his bike to get through the ride. “When I was riding up that hill, I think like 20 people passed me, but I was able to make it back on the run” he said. “So many people were walking their bikes through mud, it was so steep I was down to maybe 4km/hr up the hill. There is nothing like that in WA. I had a flat tyre with 2km to go, but it was all downhill, so I just kept going.”
Despite a tricky race, Josh says he is keen to take on the challenge again next year.
At both international events, one thing really stood out to Josh: the sport’s core culture of community. “It wasn’t just about the racing – it was the whole environment. I met people from all over the world, chatted for hours before the race. Everyone was genuinely interested in each other’s journey. That kind of connection is incredible,” he said.
On the Horizon
Despite his global adventures, Josh remains deeply connected to his WA roots. “I’ve trained in so many places, and WA is the best. The roads, the pool, the beaches. WA is perfect for triathlon,” he said.
“I’ve been racing most of my life, and I’ve grown up alongside so many juniors. At the last State Champs, during the swim, I was in a row with six people I knew—it really showed how strong the junior community is in WA. It’s definitely one of the best in Australia”.
Looking ahead, Josh is aiming for a win this season at the EXSS Cross Triathlon State Championships. He’ll be returning to university to continue his Computer Science studies, but training remains a constant in his life and routine. “I’m not super focused on racing for the rest of the year, but I’ll keep training because I love it.”
He also has his sights set on future elite-level XTERRA events. “Definitely going back,” he said.
Tips for Beginner Triathletes
Josh believes that triathlon really is for everyone of all ages, and that the best thing you can do for yourself is have the courage to start and the discipline to keep showing up – even when you don’t feel like it.
“Consistency is definitely the best thing for training. Even if you show up and don’t do as well as you thought that session, showing up is almost 80% of the work,” he said. “You just have to show up”.
