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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 five 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;

– Busselton 5: 100m swim, 4km cycle, 900m run. Ages 7-15 (Kids Triathlon)
– Busselton 25: 500m swim, 20km cycle, 4.5km run. Ages 14+
– Busselton 50: 2km swim, 40km cycle, 8km run. Ages 16+
– Busselton Duathlon 100: 8km run, 80km cycle, 12km run. Ages 18+

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 25^th 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.”

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.

RESULTS OF BOARD ELECTION

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
• Nominations Committee – Henrietta Farrell (Chair), Kristy Cameron
• Technical Reference Panel – Steve Norton (Chair)
• Athlete Advisory Committee – Leighton Cook (Chair), Richard Burnell
• Honours Committee – Henrietta Farrell (Chair)
• DEI Committee – Anastasiia Ploshkina (Chair), Mel Newcombe

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