Category: Latest News

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.

October marked Bike Month, a celebration of cycling and its many benefits. At Triathlon WA, we proudly played our part in promoting cycling through a special initiative for our junior members.

Thanks to grant funding received for Bike Month, we successfully hosted a Bike Education Masterclass on 5th October 2024, tailored to equip the next generation of triathletes with essential cycling skills and knowledge.

This masterclass covered a variety of key topics, including:

– Bunch Riding: Building confidence and safety skills for riding in a group
– Bike Maintenance: Learning the basics to keep bikes in top condition
– Transition Skills: Streamlining the art of moving efficiently from bike to run
– Using Bike Rollers: Developing balance and control for improved technique
– Nutrition: Understanding the role of proper fueling for peak performance

Cycling is a key component of triathlon, and this masterclass provided an invaluable opportunity to strengthen our juniors’ technical skills while building their confidence and enthusiasm for the sport. We’re proud to support their development and help shape well-rounded, capable, healthy and happy triathletes.

Thank you to WestCycle, the Department of Transport, and RAC for supporting this initiative through their Bike Month Grant.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2024 Annual General Meeting of Triathlon WA will be conducted from 6:00pm (AWST) on Wednesday 16 October 2024.

We welcome members to arrive in person from 5:30pm for networking opportunities and to chat with our office staff and Board. Members of the Association will be able to attend the meeting in person at the Sport HQ Multifunction room, 203 Underwood Avenue in Floreat 6014. Those attending in person are welcome to stay afterwards for drinks and nibbles as well as getting a preview of the season ahead. 

Members of the Association are requested to RSVP by COB Monday 14 October via the link below for catering purposes. Those members who are not able to attend in person but able to online, please RSVP via the link below and select the Online option. The link to the meeting is further down on this page.

ONLINE MEETING LINK

Microsoft Teams Meeting
Join the meeting online HERE
Meeting ID: 447 650 868 403
Passcode: QdVW5Q
Start time: 6pm AWST

VOTING:

An election for the three (3) vacant Board positions will be in accordance with Rule 25.2(5) of the Constitution of Triathlon Western Australia Incorporated dated October 2022.

Attached are the bios of the seven (7) candidates. Members are encouraged to review these candidates ahead of the AGM, where there will be an opportunity to elect three (3) candidates to the Board of Triathlon WA. Each position is for a two (2) year term. Members will be able to vote either in person or online.

Triathlon WA remains committed to fostering diversity within its boardroom. The organisation believes that a diverse board brings valuable perspectives, experiences, and ideas that are essential for effective governance and innovation. The candidates reflect a wide range of backgrounds, skills, gender, and experience, with each contributing unique strengths to support the organisation’s growth and success.

The commitment to gender diversity within the sport continues, ensuring balanced representation within Triathlon WA’s governance structure.

Pursuant to Rule 21.1 of the Constitution of Triathlon Western Australia Incorporated dated October 2022, each Individual Member and Life Member over the age of 18 years at the time of the Annual General Meeting is entitled to one (1) vote at that Annual General Meeting.  No other Member will be entitled to vote. 

Pursuant to Rule 22.1, each voting Member is entitled to appoint in writing, a natural person who is also a voting Member of the Association to be the Member’s proxy, and to attend and vote on the Member’s behalf at any General Meeting of the Association. To complete a proxy vote, please complete THIS FORM and return it to the Executive Director no later than 48 hours before the commencement of the meeting.

Online voting polls will open 24 hours prior to the Annual General Meeting starting. All members will receive an email with detailed instructions prior to that time. Voting will remain open until those attending the Annual General Meeting have completed their votes.

The final day of the World Triathlon Multisport Championships Townsville featured intense competition in both the Aquabike and Long Distance events. Athletes from WA and around the globe pushed their limits, with strong performances across all age groups.

PODIUMS:
In the Long Distance Triathlon, Caroline Anderson earned a second place in the 60-64 Female Age Group (AG) category, showcasing her endurance and skill. Oli Terry displayed remarkable speed and stamina, securing third place in the 20-24 Male AG category.

In the Aquabike event, Bart Hollemans (NED) captured a well-deserved third-place finish in the 50-54 Male AG category.

TOP 10’s:
In the Long Distance, Matt Burton placed 6th in the Elite Men category, proving his grit in a competitive field. Adie Richardson narrowly missed the podium, finishing 4th in the 50-54 Female AG category. Abigail Bygrave delivered a strong performance, securing 8th place in the 30-34 Female AG, and Peter Brozicevich rounded out the top 10 in the 45-49 Male AG category.

In the Aquabike event, Jacqueline Forbes claimed 6th place in the 60-64 Female AG, with Alex Kraan finishing 7th in the 60-64 Male AG category.

Congratulations to all the athletes for their outstanding performances and for proudly representing Western Australia on the international stage.

WA Athlete Results

The past two days of racing have been monumental, with the Cross Duathlon on Thursday followed by the Aquathlon on Friday in Townsville as part of the 2024 World Multisport Championships. Australia celebrated plenty of podium finishes, including three impressive results from Western Australian athletes.

CROSS DUATHLON TOP 5’s:
Bart Hollemans (representing NED) achieved a 2nd place finish in the 50-54 Male Age Group in the cross duathlon with a time of 01:43:52. Paul Cochrane secured a strong 5th place in the 55-59 Male Age Group, while Alison Ramm also represented WA with a 5th place finish in the 50-54 Female Age Group.

AQUATHLON TOP 5’s:
Greg Salter claimed the title of World Aquathlon Champion with a 1st place finish in the 70-74 Male Age Group, clocking a time of 00:41:49. In the Elite Men’s race, Luke Bate claimed 2nd place, and Reece Harris secured 4th place. Katya Anderson finished strong with a 5th place in the 35-39 Female Age Group. Congratulations to all the athletes who raced!

WA Athlete Results

UP NEXT

This Sunday marks the final day of competition, with the Aquabike and Long Distance Triathlon events kicking off from The Strand Beach. Good luck to our members racing:

The Cross Triathlon World Championships, part of the World Triathlon Multisport World Championships Townsville 2024, delivered an exhilarating showcase of age-group talent. Set against the stunning backdrop of Pallarenda Park, just 15 minutes from Townsville’s center, this off-road triathlon tested competitors with a challenging course that featured an open water swim, mountain bike, and trail run. The event highlighted the adaptability and strength of our WA athletes, proving that age is no barrier to success in the sport.

PODIUMS:
Bart Hollemans (50-54 Male AG) showcased his exceptional talent with a 3rd place podium finish in his category. Katherine Ross (35-39 Female AG) also made it to the podium with a 3rd place finish, while Virginia Westwood (70-74 Female AG) impressed with a 2nd place standing in her category.

TOP 10’s:
Paul Cochrane (55-59 Male AG) and Richard Burnell (65-69 Male AG) both secured 7th place in their respective age groups, while Alison Ramm (50-54 Female AG) achieved a commendable 5th place finish in her category.

Congratulations to all athletes who raced!

WA Athlete Results

Next up on the race schedule is the Cross Duathlon World Championships, followed by the Aquathlon World Championship! Good luck to our members racing: