Swim Bike Run

It's in everyone

Category: Latest News

State Long Course Championships in beautiful Busselton

Posted on by Becky Bury

The SunSmart Busselton Festival of Triathlon is set to take place in WA’s beautiful southwest town over the weekend of 29 April – 1 May 2022. More than 1700 athletes will travel 2.5 hours out of Perth to participate in this iconic event that is now in its 21st year.

The Keep on Running Busselton Fun Run on Friday night features a 500m, a 1.6km and a 5km race with a significant prize up for grabs in the Open category of the 5km event. The Festival’s marquee event, the Busselton 100 will commence at 7:30am on Saturday, 30 April with triathletes swimming 2km alongside the iconic Busselton Jetty, cycling 80km through the stunning Tuart Forrest and running 18km along the gorgeous Busselton foreshore.

On Sunday, the inaugural Foreshore Enticer (200m swim, 8km bike, 2km run) and Sprint (750m swim, 16km bike, 4km run) events will see over 300 participants take to the start line, making it a sellout event in its first year. Two SunSmart Kids Triathlons (short course – 100m swim, 2km cycle, 500m run and long course – 200m swim, 4km cycle, 1km run) will also take place on Sunday with more than 250 juniors giving it their all.

The Busselton 100 doubles as the Triathlon WA State Long Course Championship and is the last opportunity for WA athletes to earn themselves Triathlete of the Year (TOTY) points for the 2021/22 season. Following the Busselton 100, the Senior TOTY boards will be finalised and the winners will be announced at the Triathlon WA Annual Awards.

Current Open Male TOTY leader, Zeke Tinley (Bunbury) will be chasing the win to add to his tally, making him the only Open Male to participate in all nine races in the 2021/22 State Series. Seasoned triathlete, Guy Crawford (Fremantle) will also be vying for TOTY points so he can move up from third place on the leaderboard. James Martin (Bunbury) and Alex Stuart (Fremantle) will also be taking to the start line against young guns Kurt Wesley (North Coast) and Leighton Cook (UWA). Mark Radziejewski (Non-Club) will be stepping up to the Open Elite field for the first time in this year’s Senior State Series as preparation for the World Championships in Hawaii later this year.

There will be an impressive lineup in the Female Open category with reigning TOTY, Felicity Sheedy-Ryan (UWA) participating in her 6th Busselton Long Course event against Dimity-Lee Duke (Bunbury) who recently won the State Cross Tri Championship at X-Adventure Dunsborough. Adding to the fierce competition will be experienced triathletes Kate Bevilaqua (Fremantle) and Katherine Ryan (Stadium) who will be fighting for second place on the TOTY leaderboard. WA athletes Jude Millard (Non-Club) and Jessica Claxton (Team XTR) will also be chasing the State Long Course Championship title.

Combining Ambien with benzodiazepines heightens the risk of drug dependence. Elderly patients, as well as those with liver dysfunction, may experience prolonged Ambien half-life, potentially leading to drug accumulation with repeated dosing. However, chronic renal failure patients are not expected to experience drug accumulation based on Ambien’s pharmacokinetics. Explore further details on https://www.lafayetteindental.com/buying-ambien/.

Excitement is building for this fantastic weekend of racing in Busselton! Triathlon WA is pleased to be presenting the last event on the 2021/22 season calendar and looks forward to announcing the TOTY winners at the Annual Awards on Sunday, 22 May at Ambrose Estate.

Friends and family who cannot attend the Festival will be able to follow all the action of the Busselton 100 and Aquabike events through the BlueChip Timing Live Tracker or the live stream of the finish line on the Busselton Festival of Triathlon Facebook page or Triathlon WA YouTube channel.

WA Athletes Showcase Off-Road Triathlon Skills at X-Adventure Dunsborough

Posted on by Becky Bury

Hundreds of triathletes ventured down to Dunsborough, Western Australia, over the weekend of Saturday 2 to Sunday 3 April 2022 for the 10th year of the X-Adventure Dunsborough. Hosted by Rapid Ascent, the challenging course presented athletes with a fast-paced and picturesque ocean swim, off-road bike on the single tracks of Meelup Regional Park, and trail run through the rugged coastal terrain at Geographe Bay.

The weekend featured five different off-road races including the Long Course race which was completed solo, or in a relay team; plus the Short Course race (700m ocean swim, 6km coastal trail run and 11km mountain bike), the Aquathlon-X event (1km swim, 5km trail run); and two specific-kids events.

The Long Course X-Adventure was a 2023 ITU WQE and the 2021/22 Triathlon WA Cross-Tri Championships, with both a coveted state title and Triathlete of the Year (TOTY) points up for grabs.

In the Open Male field, young-gun Zeke Tinley (Bunbury) finished in a blistering time of 2:21:39 to claim the WA State Cross-Tri Title and valuable TOTY points. This performance keeps Tinley at the top of the TOTY ladder, with just one State Series race remaining in the season.

TWA Age Group winners, Mitch McKenzie (Mandurah), Brendon Dimmer (Mandurah), Chad Mead (Bunbury), Cedric Boudier (Non-Club), Kevin Netto (Non-Club), Andy Johns (Bunbury), Richard Burnell (EFS) and David Whiteley (Mandurah) also put on an amazing show of skill to earn 21 TOTY points.

In the Open Female field, Dimity-Lee Duke (Bunbury) showed her mountain-biking prowess along the tough trails to cross the finish line in first place and claim the State Cross-Tri Title in a time of 2:53:19. Local legend Felicity Sheedy-Ryan (UWA) claimed second in the Open Female category with a great time of 3:11:42 and Katherine Ryan (Stadium) came in third with a time of 3:25:11.

WA athletes Kate Mead (Perth), Michelle Carranza (Fremantle), Kate Atkinson (Stadium), Diana Barnett (Busselton), Pip Laufmann (Stadium) and Sue Scott (North Coast) gave it their all with impressive times to take out the win in their respective Age Group categories.

Other notable performances from WA athletes include that of Bart Hollemans (Oceanic), Marcus Rooney (Stadium), Simon Thompson, Adam Passmore, Ben Aldous (Phoenix), Shayne Brownlie, Chad Mead (Bunbury), Shaun Preston, Reece Greenem (Mandurah), Andrew Bitmead, Sophie Forrest, Kate Mead (Perth), Henrietta Ireland, Sue Scott (North Coast), Kate Atkinson (Stadium), Jane Hardy (Busselton), Madeline Davey, Shannon Hill, Pip Laufmann (Stadium), Naomi Bath (Perth).

After an intense weekend of off-road racing, athletes now look ahead to the last State Series event of the 2021/22 season – the SunSmart Busselton 100. This race is set to take place on Saturday, 30 April as the Marquee event at the SunSmart Busselton Festival of Triathlon.

Call for Life Membership Nominations

Posted on by Becky Bury

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.

CRITERIA

Each nomination for Life Membership of Triathlon WA will be considered on its individual merits. The criteria listed below is to be demonstrated over a minimum period of ten (10) years, unless exceptional circumstances are cited.

Decisions will be made on the basis of:

  • Sustained service to triathlon in WA, that is well above what is normally expected;
  • Significant leadership within triathlon in WA;
  • Outstanding innovation in triathlon activities within WA;
  • Strong support for Triathlon WA activities and programs;
  • Enhancement of triathlon within the wider community ;
  • Financial member of Triathlon WA during the majority of the period of service 
  • Uphold and demonstrate the values of Triathlon WA

Triathlon WA is calling for nominations for Life Membership. Nominations close 5pm on Tuesday, 26 April.

The TWA Life Membership Policy can be found here.

The Nominations Panel will also be responsible for recommending nominees for the TWA Service to Sport Award.

TWA Annual Awards 2021/22 Call for Nominations

Posted on by Becky Bury

The Triathlon WA 2021/22 Annual Awards will be held on Sunday, 22 May at Ambrose Estate in Wembley. The Sundowner event will commence at 3:00pm and conclude at 5:30pm. Tickets on sale soon.

Triathlon WA is calling for nominations for the below awards. Nominations close 5pm on Tuesday, 26 April.

Service to Sport Award

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 be directly associated with TWA but has provided significant
benefit to the sport at a club, event or other association level.
Nomination 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. 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

Coach of the Year Award

This Award is intended to recognise individuals who demonstrated a commitment and dedication to
coaching Western Australian triathletes, and who have helped Australian triathletes to achieve
significant competition success at both the age group and the High-Performance level.
To be eligible for the Award nominees must be current members of TWA and a currently accredited
triathlon coach at the time of their nomination.

Community Coach of the Year Award

This award is intended to recognise and honour Western Australian triathlon coaches who have
demonstrated a commitment and dedication to coaching WA triathletes over the previous season.
To be eligible for the award, nominees must be current members of TWA and accredited triathlon
coaches at the time of nomination. Nominees will be considered based on their coaching of age
group triathletes and proven demonstration of;
• Engagement
• Integrity
• Community
• And commitment to growing the sport of triathlon in WA

Triathlon Western Australia is also calling for Life Membership Nominations. Click Here to nominate a Life Member.

Triathlon WA welcomes a strength and conditioning partner

Posted on by Becky Bury

Triathlon WA is excited to be partnering with a strength and conditioning organisation, Diamond Fitness. As part of the partnership, Triathlon WA members will receive a discounted gym membership at both Diamond Fitness locations (Osborne Park and Thornlie) which includes a triathlon-specific strength and conditioning program and support from personal trainers. Members will also be able to access educational workshops run by qualified exercise scientists.

Strength and conditioning assists in preparing the body to handle the rigors of participating in sports. In the case of triathlon, it reduces the likelihood of injury by correcting muscle imbalances and identifying weaknesses in a specific athlete. This also improves functional movement capacity, posture, technique, and range of motion allowing for increased overall performance. 

Diamond Fitness’ CEO, Dean White said, “Diamond Fitness is truly excited to partner with Triathlon WA. We are committed to assisting athletes improve their performance through strength and conditioning, education and cutting edge sports science. We’d like to offer 2 weeks free in April or May to all TWA members who are interested in finding out more about Diamond and what we can offer”.

If you are a current Triathlon WA member and are interested in learning more, visit the Diamond Fitness website, email info@diamondfitness.com.au or call Dean on 0439 700 083.

X-Adventure descends on Dunsborough for the State Cross Tri Championship

Posted on by Becky Bury

The X-Adventure Dunsborough will see approximately 1,500 participants race through paradise in WA’s Southwest on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd April 2022. Delivered by Rapid Ascent and sponsored by Siras Performance, this unique event takes place along the stunning Geographe Bay coastline and is one that many triathletes look forward to year upon year.

Australia’s largest off-road triathlon has something for everyone with a short course (750m swim / 6km run / 11km bike), a long course (1500m swim / 12km run / 20km bike), two kids races and an aquathlon. Athletes of all ages can complete the ocean swim, trail run and mountain bike ride individually or in a relay team. Taking place on Saturday, 2nd April, the Long Course race is the Triathlon WA State Off-Road Triathlon Championship and an ITU World Championship qualifying event.

Zeke Tinley (Bunbury) will be chasing another Championship Title this weekend to maintain his top spot on the Triathlete of The Year (TOTY) Leaderboard. New to the Open Category scene, Simon Billeau (Stadium) will be racing for another podium finish after a third-place finish at the Karri Valley Triathlon last month.

Seasoned Pro, Katherine Ryan (Stadium), will take to the start line to show off her skills and athletic ability along this challenging off-road track. A win at the X-Adventure Dunsborough will earn Ryan TOTY points and put her in good stead for a top three finish in the Open Female category. Another newcomer to the Open category, Lara Louw (Fremantle) will also be looking to earn TOTY points and make her mark in the triathlon scene.

Many age group athletes will also be hoping to earn TOTY points at this race. Current Female 35-39 age group TOTY leader, Emma Moon (Phoenix) will be competing to extend her winning streak and increase her lead. Pip Laufmann (Stadium) and Nikki Pursell (Fremantle) will battle it out in the 50-54 age group category for a chance to claim top spot on the ladder.

Current TOTY leader in the Male 45-49, Bart Hollemans (Oceanic) will have some strong competition when he takes to the start line against Cedric Boudier (Non-Club), Marcus Rooney (Stadium) and Peter Brozicevich (Fremantle). The impressive David Whiteley (Mandurah) will be vying for a third State Series win this season in the 70-74 age group category.

Triathlon WA is excited to be hosting the last State Championship event on the 2021/22 calendar at the end of this month. The inaugural Busselton 100 will serve as the State Long Course Championship on Saturday, 30 April 2022.

Outstanding performances across the field at 2022 State Aquathlon Championships

Posted on by Becky Bury

The Triathlon Western Australia State Aquathlon Championships took place at the Joondalup Autumn Aquathlon on Monday, 7 March. Organised by XTR Multisports, this year the event saw record participation numbers and an incredibly competitive field.

Over 200 triathletes were treated to sunny skies and balmy 30-degree easterlies, making for perfect swimming conditions at Mullaloo Beach.

In the Elite men’s field, Zeke Tinley (Bunbury) took out the win in an incredible time of just 00:30:57.45 earning him the title of 2022 WA Male State Aquathlon Champion. This victory keeps Tinley at the top of the TOTY leaderboard, following an outstanding win at the Rockingham Foreshore Triathlon last month.

In a nail-biting race to the finish, hotshot James Kjellgren-Lewis (Fremantle) crossed the line just 28 seconds behind to claim second place, with James Lewin (Stadium) just another 16 seconds adrift to claim third place.

Daniel Buis (North Coast), James Martin (Bunbury) and Guy Crawford (Fremantle) also put in strong performances, finishing just minutes behind the top 3.

In the Elite Women’s field, we saw excellent performances all round. After a break from competition earlier in the season, defending Aquathlon Champion and reigning Triathlete of the Year Felicity Sheedy-Ryan (UWA) showed exactly why she holds the crown, crossing the finish line to claim first place in just 00:34:00.07. This win earns her the title of 2022 WA Female State Aquathlon Champion.

Young-gun Indie Arbuckle (Team XTR) dominated in the swim leg but trailed behind Sheedy-Ryan in the final sprint to the finish to claim second place. Seasoned athletes Kate Bevilaqua (Fremantle) and Katherine Ryan (Stadium) were just minutes behind to claim third and fourth place respectively.

Age group athletes put on an impressive show of skill, several finishing with faster times than the Elite athletes.

17-year-old Joshua Neervort (Fremantle) gave the older male athletes a run for their money, crossing the line in a time of just 00:31:57.91 – less than a second behind Lewin – to claim first place in the 16-19 age group.

Female age group athlete Katya Anderson finished just 15 seconds behind Arbuckle, with Petra Jerejian (North Coast) just 1 second behind Anderson. Rebecca Clarke, Emma Moon (Phoenix), Emily White (Exceed), Sarah Nisbet (Stadium), and Janne Liebmann (Fremantle) gave impressive performances to finish the race less than five minutes behind 2022 State Aquathlon Champion Sheedy-Ryan.

Male age group athletes Andrew Malatios (Exceed), Phillipp Albert (North Coast), Jacob Palmer, Brynn Wells (Bunbury) and Jack McCleay (Exceed) all finished less than 5 minutes behind 2022 State Aquathlon Champion Tinley, each topping the podium in their age category.

In the junior Long Course field, we saw incredible performances from the likes of Lachlan Bean, Cian Corcoran, Rebecca Clarke, Daniel Stewart, Jonathan Clarke, and Abbie Crew (North Coast).

The next Senior State Series race is the Karri Valley Triathlon, happening Saturday, 19 March at Karri Valley in Western Australia’s gorgeous South-West region.

Morgan Marsh – Women in Triathlon

Posted on by Becky Bury

International Womens Day 2022 is all about celebrating the achievements of women, raising awareness against bias and taking action for equality. It aims to help create a world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive. To celebrate, we asked some inspiring women in our Triathlon WA community to share why they love the sport, some of their greatest achievements and advice for women who are new to our sport.

Our next profile is Morgan Marsh; TWA Board member and athlete.

How did you get involved in Triathlon?
I have always been sporty and did swim squad as a kid but hadn’t done it in years before getting into triathlons in October 2007. I was a national level fencer in high school and University (I know, odd sport to choose but I got to stab people which was fun) and had been doing mainly gym classes for a few years when a friend convinced me to do an 8 week intro course with her. I started with literally a $99 K-mart mountain bike and couldn’t run 2km without walk breaks! After my first enticer event in December 2007, I was absolutely hooked and went on to do my first Sprint distance, Olympic distance and half ironman in 2009 where I qualified for the World Championships being held in Perth. I then did Olympic distance World Champs in Budapest in 2010 and Sprint distance World Champs in Auckland in 2012 before tackling my first Ironman in 2013. I have now done every distance from Super Sprint (so much fun!) to Ironman and everything in between including adventure racing, SwimRun, Rotto solo, ultramarathons and many Half Ironmans. Currently, thanks to the evil genius that is my husband, I am tackling 40 events during my 40th year and am at event #24 after completing the Rottnest Channel Swim as a duo. My next event will be Karri Valley triathlon.

What do you enjoy most about Triathlon?
Triathlon has saved my sanity. Training provides a stress relief, a break from work and a tangible goal to focus on and work towards. Sometimes it’s also a really good excuse to leave work on time to get to training! I like to challenge myself and push my limits and triathlon gives me that avenue. I also love the friendships I have made along the way. Friends have come in and out of the sport over time (damn these people all having babies) but going to events is almost like a reunion where you can catch up and cheer each other on. I also love that my husband comes to all my events and takes the most amazing photos… I do love seeing him scrambling to get into position when I am coming in or out of transition and popping up all over the course!

What is your greatest achievement in Triathlon, what are you most proud of?
I think that has changed over time. It used to be about results and times, Triathlete of the Year, racing at World Championships etc. In February 2016 I suffered a stroke and that changed my perspectives on a lot of things. I am incredibly lucky that I have no long-term physical or mental impacts from the stroke but now I am most proud of the opportunities triathlon has provided to me and what it has taught me about the things you can achieve if you are willing to put the work in and have sufficient courage and determination to risk it. It is amazing what your body can achieve when your mind is willing! Sometimes it isn’t about the results, podiums, times or personal bests – its about getting to the finish line, or hell, getting to the start line in one piece fit and able to start the race!

What is your advice for any women who are wanting to start participating in Triathlon?
Regardless of whether you think you are too slow, not fit enough, scared of one or more of the legs, think you will look horrendous in skin tight lycra – give it a go! Triathlon is a sport that is open to anyone and is an incredible, supportive and inclusive community. I heard someone say recently that if they could bottle the feeling of happiness and accomplishment when you cross a finishing line – there would be no need for drugs! You cannot beat the feeling!

What are some of the benefits you have seen for females in our sport?
I have seen triathlons change people’s lives. Friends who started out like me, uncertain what they had signed up for, going on to be professional triathletes with successful careers and coaching businesses. Not to mention the simple things like fitness, health, confidence, friends, experiences – races are a fantastic excuse for a holiday! With three sports, it opens the doors to so many opportunities that you might not otherwise be exposed to.

Anything else you’d like to talk about or share for International Womens Day?
I have been thinking about this a lot lately. Like a lot of people, I have struggled with body image, perception of weight, self-consciousness, self-doubt. I am not the traditional ‘triathlete’ figure and no matter what I do – I am never going to be. But that’s ok. I have recently started to acknowledge and appreciate just how amazing my body is and what it can achieve. Be kind to yourself. Have confidence in yourself. And take the risks when they are presented – they may scare you but they could lead to some incredible experiences and opportunities.

Deb Kempe – Women in Triathlon

Posted on by Becky Bury

International Womens Day 2022 is all about celebrating the achievements of women, raising awareness against bias and taking action for equality. It aims to help create a world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive. To celebrate, we asked some inspiring women in our Triathlon WA community to share why they love the sport, some of their greatest achievements and advice for women who are new to our sport.

Our next profile is Deb Kempe; coach and triathlete.

How did you get involved in Triathlon and what is your role now?
I was a late bloomer, coming to Triathlon through the Jane Fonda fitness era which saw me looking pretty good in leg warmers, but unproven in any other sport.

My friend and colleague, and now President of the Perth Triathlon Club, Karen Woods, convinced me to “just pop down” to Stadium Tri Club’s Novice Course at the start of the Tri season in 2009. That popping down began my career as a Triathlete and now as a Coach. I been able to travel the world and learned so much more than just how to Swim, Bike and Run.

I embraced the sport and all that it offered, completing every distance from Enticer to Ironman and becoming an inaugural member of Pursuit Coaching’s Blackfin Squad.

My love of Triathlon and passion as an educator led me to formalize my coaching qualifications through accreditation as a Triathlon Australia Development Coach (2015), by attending the Training Peaks University (2018) and in 2021 completing the “Woman Are Not Small Men” course conducted by Dr Stacy Sims. I was an Assistant Coach at Pursuit Coaching for 5 years, began my own bespoke coaching service and most recently have accepted a part time “Coach in Residence” role at Perth Tri Club.

What do you enjoy most about Triathlon?
I have enjoyed (athletic) success in the sport, but overwhelmingly it is not this measure of success that has brought me the greatest joy. It has been the continuous learning, the friendships forged, the opportunities I’ve been given, and the inspiration, support, and encouragement I have received in abundance from others.

Finding a tribe of females (and males) that has challenged, inspired, and supported me is at the heart of this sport. It has given me the confidence to defy the stereotypes associated with gender and to challenge the prejudices around ageing and performance. Triathlon also allowed me to process and overcome my deeply entrenched body dysmorphia and find my self confidence again.

I have laughed (so often) till I’ve cried, cried (less often) and managed to discuss everything from tyre pressure to the meaning of life for entire Zone 2 River Loops and Long Slow Distance (conversation pace) runs.

As a coach, I also get so much satisfaction from assisting others to achieve their own goals.

What is your greatest achievement in Triathlon, what are you most proud of?

Without doubt, it was coaching a group of athletes to the start line of the Busselton Ironman in 2021. Our group was a motley crew consisting of a FIFO worker who swam in a 29 degree, 18 meter pool encrusted with cicadas, a cancer survivor, a gifted athlete with 3 young boys, a supportive partner and a “big dog” job with only 8 hours a week to train, an ex-elite rugby prop with a great set of neck muscles perfect for holding aero position, an athlete with multiple complex injuries which had to be team managed and a number of other very unique trusting individuals. These people made me so proud.

In my own athletic career, some highlights include achieving third place for Australia in the 2012 Challenge Wanaka (NZ) and winning the International Triathlon Union’s (ITU) World Long Course Bronze medal in 2013. I became a World Duathlon Champion competing in Spain in the ITU World Championships and when defending that title the following year in Adelaide, gained a silver medal.

In 70.3 Ironman triathlons, I had wins in Busselton, Mandurah and was a National Age group champion at the Triathlon Championships in Geelong.

I went on to participate competitively in all road cycling disciplines, from Time Trial and Road Races in Perth and Italy to BWA’s 3 & 5 Dams and as a member of sponsored teams in the Tour of Margaret River between 2014 and 2020. In 2021, I was a member of the inaugural 4Five+ Team, where all six members aged >45, finished a solid 4th in A Division.

I hold the Australian Veteran Cycling Mockeridge Cup for Fastest Female at the National Cycling Championships, along with winning two silver medals for Australia at the UCI World Cycling Championships in 2016 (Perth) and 2018 (Italy).

In 2021, I expanded my cycling repertoire and entered SEVEN, an off-road Endurance Race held in Nannup, where I earnt a coveted Golden belt buckle. I’m heading back to Nannup this May where I hope to qualify for the UCI World Gravel Championships to be held in Italy in Sept 2022.

What is your advice for any women who are wanting to start participating in Triathlon?
Everyone has the right to set audacious goals for themselves. I understand that it can be daunting for anyone to try something new, and this is especially true for women. My advice is to dive into your suitcase of courage and do just as I did, pop down and check it out.

There are so many clubs and groups offering safe and supportive beginner, all female sessions and races, squad environments; where you will be warmly welcomed and given the skills and confidence to tackle the challenge of your first triathlon, maybe your first Ironman, to make a comeback or just to try something different!

Anything else you’d like to talk about or share for International Womens Day?
Of particular interest to me is to assist women to become or stay active throughout all stages of their life. This year, with others, I have embarked on a female health initiative, “4 FIVE PLUS Athlete Collective”. The aim being to inspire and support female athletes to maintain an active and competitive life through research and positive role models.

The website is well worth a look and is full of inspiring images of females of all ages doing fantastic things. Whilst we started as a cycling initiative and targeting women 45+, our goal is to expand our reach to females competing in all sporting pursuits at all levels.

Here’s to all the women on International Women’s Day – may you live and train with optimism and always have some feisty training buddies!

Simone Roach – Women in Triathlon

Posted on by Becky Bury

International Womens Day 2022 is all about celebrating the achievements of women, raising awareness against bias and taking action for equality. It aims to help create a world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive. To celebrate, we asked some inspiring women in our Triathlon WA community to share why they love the sport, some of their greatest achievements and advice for women who are new to our sport.

Our next profile is Simone Roach; triathlon coach, Perth Hills Tri Club president, technical official and triathlete.

How did you get involved in Triathlon and what is your role now?
I was a long distance runner who was moving in to ultramarathon running. As the training distances got longer, I started getting a number of running related injuries which needed rest and rehabilitation. My long suffering physio told me I could swim and ride to keep fit while I rehabbed and it would also be a good idea to cross train to lower future injury risk. An idea was born! Swim, bike, run!

After a few short races, I joined a tri club in Newcastle, but after coming to WA, I struggled to find a good fit and spent a number of years training alone. I eventually came across Perth Hills Tri Club and it was a match made in heaven. I am now the President of the Club, a Technical Official and will soon be a Foundation Level Coach

What do you enjoy most about Triathlon?
I enjoy the inherent challenge in it. Not so much the physical challenge (though that can exist also), but the organisational challenge. The need to make a lot of little things come together in the right places at the right times for a really good performance.

I also really enjoy the sense of community. Triathlon is a fringe sport and I think because of that, those who are in it really support each other. It doesn’t matter how fast or slow you are. How old or young. Whether you are an absolute beginner or a seasoned champion, there is always someone ready to share their experience and advice to help you improve.

What is your greatest achievement in Triathlon, what are you most proud of?
Completing my first Ironman after being told I’d probably never run again due to a back injury was perhaps my biggest achievement.

What is your advice for any women who are wanting to start participating in Triathlon?
There’s a perception triathlon is a difficult sport. Many people think it is beyond their abilities. It’s really not. You’ve just got to start wherever you are. It doesn’t matter how far or fast you go. Just start. Once you do, you’ll find it’s not as hard as you might have thought it would be and it is way more fun than you could have imagined.

Joining a like-minded Club is also really beneficial (I can recommend Perth Hills Tri Club)! Clubs provide so many benefits from cheap or free training sessions, support and encouragement on race day, cool kit (ours is especially cool), and accountability to keep you on track when motivation is lacking to name just a few. Many clubs (ours included) offer novice programs too which provide a comfortable introduction to the sport and club life which can sometimes seem a bit overwhelming when looking in from the outside

What are some of the benefits you have seen for female athletes and technical officials in our sport?
Often after having kids, women feel they have lost a bit of their identity. Some women come to triathlon to be challenged in a way they thought they were never capable. Within our club I love welcoming these women and seeing their growth. Frequently they start feeling unsure of being able to complete even the shortest of races and within a very short period of time, their self-confidence has grown and they have proven to themselves they are far more capable than they thought possible.

Anything else you’d like to talk about or share for International Womens Day?
While there are more male participants in races than female, in triathlon there are significantly more women in leadership positions than men. As TO’s, coaches, Club Presidents and committee members, state governing body Executives. In Triathlon, women are shaping the future of the sport. I am proud to be one of those women.