Triathlete of the Year Awards reward both participation and performance in the Triathlon WA State Triathlon Series. To be eligible for an award, athletes must have participated in at least three (3) out of seven (7) rounds of State Triathlon Series events. An athlete’s best five (5) results were considered in the point scores, with awards presented to the top three (3) eligible athletes in the Open category, and 5 year age categories for 20+.

Open Winners

Age Group Winners

20-24 YEARS

25-29 YEARS

30-34 YEARS

35-39 YEARS

40-44 YEARS

45-49 YEARS

50-54 YEARS

55-59 YEARS

60-64 YEARS

65-69 YEARS

70-74 YEARS

Junior Triathlete of the Year

12-13 YEARS

14-15 YEARS

16-19 YEARS

Multisport Athlete of the Year

The inaugural Multisport Athlete of the Year Awards reward both participation and performance in the Triathlon WA State Multisport Series. To be eligible for an award, athletes must have participated in at least three (3) out of five (5) rounds of State Multisport Series events.

An athlete’s best five (5) results were considered in the point scores, with awards presented to the top three (3) eligible athletes in the Open category, and 10 year age categories for 20+.

Open Winners

Age Group Winners

20-29 YEARS

30-39 YEARS

40-49 YEARS

50-59 YEARS

60-69 YEARS

70-79 YEARS

The best of Western Australian triathlon were recognised and celebrated at the Triathlon WA Annual Awards & 40 Year Gala on Saturday 25 July.

Reece Harris and Madi Toovey were named 2026 Triathletes of the Year for winning the 2026 State Triathlon Series, with Erin Driscoll awarded Multisport Athlete of the Year.

The Professional Athlete of the Year recognises the highest ranked Western Australian male and female athlete on the Professional Triathlon Organisation rankings as at 31 December 2025.

The 2026 male award went to Nick Thompson, who finished the 33rd ranked athlete in the world and top Australian having finished second at IRONMAN Cairns and third at IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See, and seventh at 2025 IRONMAN World Championships in Nice. The female winner was Kate Bevilaqua who capped off an amazing career with an emotional performance at her home IRONMAN in December.

The 2026 Individual Performance of the Year awards were presented to Nick Thompson for his seventh-place finish at the 2026 IRONMAN World Championships and Sally Pilbeam for placing fourth at the 2025 World Paratriathlon Championships in Wollongong.

Jon Sammut was awarded the Chris Hewitt Memorial Award, which is awarded at the discretion of the Triathlon WA President, to recognise an individual, group or organisation that has made a significant contribution to triathlon in Western Australia.

In December 2024, Jon Sammut’s life changed in an instant following a serious accident while competing at IRONMAN WA. What followed was an incredibly challenging journey of rehabilitation, one that tested him physically, mentally and emotionally in ways few of us could imagine.

Many people in Jon’s position would have understandably stepped away from the sport to focus solely on their own recovery. Jon did the opposite.

While navigating one of the most difficult periods of his life, he continued to give back to the triathlon community. He invested his time and energy into building a welcoming, supportive environment where athletes of all abilities felt they belonged. Whether someone was taking on their very first triathlon or striving for elite-level performance, Jon made every person feel valued, encouraged and capable.

His impact has extended well beyond coaching or training sessions. He has helped create a community where friendships have formed, confidence has grown and people have discovered a lifelong passion for our sport. Along the way, he has supported athletes to achieve remarkable success, always celebrating their achievements ahead of his own.

Guy Crawford was named 2026 Coach of the Year for his coaching impact, which extends far beyond the athletes he coaches directly. Through his unwavering dedication to athlete and coach development, he has played a significant role in strengthening the triathlon community across Western Australia.

Ava Henville and Cooper Smeulders were named Pathway Athletes of the Year following strong seasons. Henville represented Australia at the Junior Elite World Championships in Wollongong, finishing 23rd in her first international competition. While Smeulders claimed the School Sport WA Triathlon Championship and competed at the Oceania Triathlon Championships and the Asia Triathlon Junior Cup.

Lucy Henville and Aaron Cockburn were awarded Junior Encouragement Awards for demonstrating not only outstanding commitment to their sport, but also character reflective of the values of Team WA – determination, sportsmanship, kindness and respect.

Since its beginnings in 1993, the Mandurah Interclub Triathlon has grown into one of Western Australia’s most iconic triathlon events, attracting more than 350 athletes. For its combination of participation, inclusivity, community spirit and enduring popularity it was named Event of the Year.

The Armadale Triathlon Club Twilight Triathlon was recognised as Club Initiative of the Year for bringing a fresh and innovative concept to the WA triathlon community. By shifting racing to the late afternoon and evening, culminating in a unique twilight or night-time finish, the event created a completely different experience for participants.

Keith Bowron of the Rockingham Triathlon Club, has dedicated seven years of outstanding service in key leadership roles. For his exceptional commitment, leadership and tireless volunteer service, Keith is a most deserving recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award.

The Steve Barrie Technical Official of the Year was presented to Mark Ward who over 13 years has become one of the most respected officials in WA. As a highly trusted Moto Official, he’s often assigned to elite and open long course races because his calls are fair, consistent, and always spot on.

Through her vision, passion and years of dedication, Claire Hawkins has created opportunities for thousands of people to participate, compete and connect through our sport. From introducing newcomers through women-focused events to developing exciting racing opportunities for juniors and experienced athletes alike, her impact has been felt across the WA triathlon community. Her years of service earned her the Service to Sport Award.

2026 Triathlon WA Award Winners
Triathlete of the Year – Female: Madi Toovey
Triathlete of the Year – Male: Reece Harris
Multisport Athlete of the Year – Female: Erin Driscoll

Professional Athlete of the Year – Male: Nick Thompson
Professional Athlete of the Year – Female: Kate Bevilaqua
Individual Performance of the Year – Male: Nick Thompson
Individual Performance of the Year – Female: Sally Pilbeam

Pathway Program Athlete of the Year – Male: Cooper Smeulders
Pathway Program Athlete of the Year – Female: Ava Henville
Junior Encouragement Award – Male: Aaron Cockburn
Junior Encouragement Award – Female: Lucy Henville

Steve Barrie Technical Official of the Year: Mark Ward
Coach of the Year: Guy Crawford
Event of the Year: Mandurah Interclubs – Mandurah Tri Club
Club Initiative of the Year: Twilight Triathlon – Armadale Tri Club
Volunteer of the Year: Keith Bowron – Rockingham Tri Club
Service to Sport: Claire Hawkins
Chris Hewitt Memorial Award: Jonathan Sammut

In 2025, the Board of Triathlon WA commissioned the Honours Committee to identify an avenue to appropriately acknowledge, promote and preserve the achievements of those individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the sport of Triathlon in Western Australia over the past 40 years.
Triathlon WA is thrilled to announce that the result of that undertaking is the creation of the WA Triathlon Hall of Fame.

Induction into the WA Triathlon Hall of Fame differs from Life Membership of Triathlon WA. Life Membership acknowledges selfless commitment and long-term service to Triathlon WA, and to the sport of triathlon in Western Australia more broadly, whereas induction into the WA Triathlon Hall of Fame will be based upon excellence as either a competitor, coach, official or administrator.

It is a public acknowledgement of attainment of the extraordinary feats of an individual at a level that has set them above their peers and made a contribution that is ‘uncommon’. Therefore, inductees into the WA Triathlon Hall of Fame do not automatically receive Life Membership of Triathlon WA and vice versa.
Nominations for this prestigious honour are currently being sought from affiliated triathlon clubs, the TWA Technical Reference Panel, AusTriathlon Awards Committee and the TWA Executive Director, Board Members and Honours Committee. Individual members who believe they have a candidate worthy of nomination should reach out to one of these entities in the first instance to ensure the nomination will stand up to the review process.

The first inductees will be announced at the Triathlon WA Annual Awards – details to be released soon. Looking forward, further inductions should occur every 5 years, with the inductions coinciding with the annual award presentations during milestone celebrations for Triathlon WA – 45 years, 50 years and so on.

NOMINATE NOW!
Nominations for the Hall of Fame are now open, closing 30th April 2026 via the official form.

Our March Member of the Month is the incredible Ruth Metcalf!

Ruth first found her way into triathlon while she was still playing hockey. To change up her training, she started riding a bike along the gravel roads near her home in Lake King, a small town in the Wheatbelt of WA. A friend noticed she could already swim and had started cycling, and suggested she try an enticer triathlon. Ruth took the advice, signed up, and the rest is history!

In 2009, when she moved to Perth with her family, Ruth joined the Stadium Triathlon Club. She later also picked up Technical Officiating and has been a TO for going on 10 years now. Along the way, she’s become a 9 x Ironman with many more incredible achievements behind her.

You’ve definitely seen Ruth around the local race circuit, usually with a colourful tri suit and a big smile on her face. We sat down with her to talk about how she first got into triathlon and to learn more about her as both an athlete and a person.

What was your first event as a beginner, and how did it go?

My swim training was pretty minimal, usually just a few laps in a pool whenever we travelled to Perth, which at the time was a five‑hour drive each way. To do the Enticer in Esperance (my first tri) I had to travel 2.5 hours one way and stay overnight.

During the swim, the water safety team had to redirect me because I was unintentionally heading toward Woody Island. Then, when I got off the bike, I experienced the classic “jelly legs” for the first time, which was a very unfamiliar feeling. But I finished happy, and from that moment on, I was completely hooked on the sport.

Do you prefer training solo, with friends, or with your club?

Always better with friends. Although triathlon is an individual sport, I found the club/coached sessions & friends keep you accountable. My first Ironman training cemented in solid friendships and we have travelled and raced on many occasions over the years.

You’re known for always smiling, what keeps you so positive on and off the course?

I moved from a team sport, where only half the people there really want to see you win. In triathlon, the spectators, volunteers, organisers, and your fellow competitors all want you to finish. Race day feels like a day “out of office” spent with mates. I keep a positive mindset even when the conditions are not ideal, because those are the races you end up talking about for years. Smile, and people smile back, and that’s your boost right there.

You have competed in many Mountain Bike events, where is your favourite place to MTB, and what is your favourite trail?

The bike is my strongest leg and favourite discipline in tri. I like road cycling and Mountain biking. We are spoilt for choice with so many trails in a comfortable travel distance. I like the flow in Margaret River. The challenge of mountain bike stage races is next level, pushing the body on multiple race days. The Snowy Mountain bike stage race was my biggest achievement for developing trail skills.

Do you have any kids? Grandkids? Do any of them do triathlon too?

I had three children – Sam, Kristy, and Jody. Sadly Kristy, who was one of my biggest supporters, passed away unexpectedly on 3 December 2017. I received the news on race day at Ironman Busselton whilst officiating. She was a truly joyous person and always loved coming to watch me race.

None of my kids have taken up the sport yet, but there’s still time. I have two grandchildren as well now, and I’ll work on them.

Do you have a favourite race memory, or a memory that stands out from all the events you’ve done?

Each Ironman holds its own special memories. They’re long, demanding days, and every one of them leaves me with an enormous sense of achievement. It’s extra special when my daughters, Kristy and Jody, have been there to support me – including at my first half Ironman in Busselton and my Ironman in Cairns.

What do you like to do outside of triathlon? Work / hobbies / volunteering?

I love to travel, even if it’s just for a mini weekend getaway… Okay, I admit it! There’s usually a race or some kind of physical activity involved. I’ve even been known to sneak in the occasional “racecation.”

When I do actually sit still, I like to dabble in different crafts. Over the years I’ve tried plenty, but I always come back to reading, jigsaws, card making, and knitting.

I’m also currently working full time for Ageing Australia, the industry body for aged care.

Did you have any fun/weird pre-race rituals or superstitions? Like lucky socks or always eating a particular food?

When I travel for races, I wear a simple necklace before and after the event. It has three pearls, symbolising my three children, and it’s become my good‑luck charm.

How long have you been a Tech Official?

I began working as a TO when an injury stopped me from competing one year. I think it may have been around 2016? I still wanted to be involved and right in the thick of the action, so volunteering in the sport felt like the perfect way to stay connected.

Are there any people or mentors who played a big role in your Triathlon or Sporting journey?

My friend Jody Brownley was the one who first suggested I have a go at the Esperance Enticer. Justine Bolton also played a big part early on. Listening to her stories and experiences really helped when I was first getting into the sport.

My daughter Kristy, who was born with many physical disabilities, has always inspired me. Her attitude was always “I can give that a go!”.

GK Endurance coach Kate Bevilaqua has been a huge support too. Her guidance and coaching have helped shape my training, and she’s tailored my program to suit all the different events I take on. In the last couple of years, I’ve also joined the Swim Smooth squad coached by Paul Newsome.

What’s next on your sporting bucket list?

Volcanic EPIC in NZ – Mountain bike stage race

Is it true you’re a 9 x Ironman?

Yes, it’s true! I’ve raced 9 Ironmans, 25 Half Ironmans, and this year will be my 5th Busso 100, which means I’ll have gone around the Busselton course 15 times in total. Here are a few more of my favourite stats and milestones:

• I’ve completed 7 mountain bike stage races.
• I’ve done 5 Busselton Jetty Swims.
• In 2018, I received an honourable mention for the Paul Goodman Award.
• For my 60th birthday, I celebrated by taking on 60 timed events across the year. I even ended up doing a podcast with Live and Breathe Active (formerly Catfish Apparel) about it.
• In November 2024, I mountain biked through the Mustang Valley in Nepal, something I never imagined I’d experience. There’s a documentary of that trip on YouTube.

What does a perfect training day look like for you?

No injuries, nice weather, time with mates, some laughs and finish with coffee/breakfast.

If you could share one lesson the sport has taught you, what would it be?

Early mornings will be your new habit, be consistent, include strength training, applaud yourself when you have done well.

What is your advice to someone who is at the start of their triathlon journey?

Join a club and have fun. Measure your achievements against yourself not others, and take on challenges you thought would only be for fitter or younger athletes.

Few people have shaped the culture and spirit of triathlon in Western Australia quite like Dave Scott. With more than four decades in the sport, Dave has been a member of Triathlon WA since its foundation.

We’re excited to recognise Dave as our Member of the Month for February. We caught up with him to chat about life, his favourite moments in triathlon, and to gather a little advice along the way.

Where the Journey began

Dave’s triathlon journey began in 1983/84, with his first race held at the North Fremantle Surf Life Saving Club. At the time, triathlon distances looked a little different: a 1 km swim, a 30 km ride, and an 8 km run, with athletes rinsing sand off their feet in buckets beside milk crates before heading out on the bike.

Remarkably, Dave didn’t even own a bike back then, and he wouldn’t buy his first set of wheels until he was 40.

“I never had a bike as a kid,” Dave recalled. “I just worked my way into the sport slowly.”

Introduced to triathlon by lifelong friend and mentor Gerard O’Neill, he spent his first year borrowing Gerard’s bike and learning the sport through running, swim squads, and plenty of determination. It was a humble beginning that perfectly reflects Dave’s philosophy: commitment matters far more than equipment.

He was an early member of Fremantle Triathlon Club, training and racing alongside fellow athletes while working as a regional manager with Homeswest in Fremantle. He later joined Perth Triathlon Club, where he has now been a member for more than a decade.

Favourite Race Memories

While running and swimming were always Dave’s favourite legs, thanks to his strong running background, it was the long course events that left the biggest mark on his triathlon journey.

Among Dave’s most treasured experiences are the early Rottnest Island long course races, and he completed more than 25 long course events over the years. One standout memory saw Dave and his training partner intentionally cross the finish line holding hands, tying for third place in their age group and prompting officials to scramble for an extra medal.

Rottnest has always held a special place for Dave and his wife Sue, as they often holidayed on the island for a week around race time. “Those races and that atmosphere were something really special,” he says.

Another defining moment came in 2005, when Dave competed at the Ironman World Championships Hawaii, a lifelong goal he had set for himself.

Race Superstitions and Rituals

Every athlete has a quirky ritual or lucky habit before a race. Maybe it’s a pair of socks, or the same breakfast every time. For years, Dave didn’t have any superstitions at all. That changed when he set his sights on qualifying for Hawaii.

“I was absolutely determined to get there,” he said.

Around that time his daughter, who was living in the United States of America, sent him a Wendy’s hat from her workplace. What started as a bit of fun quickly turned into a tradition and Dave started wearing the hat on the run leg of every race.

“My friends could always spot me straight away,” he laughed.

The hat first appeared around 2000, and he still has it today. It stayed with him for 20+ years, right through to his final race before retirement.

Personal Life, Hobbies and Coaching

For Dave, triathlon has always been more than three disciplines. It’s about community, resilience, and encouragement – values he has lived and shared for more than 40 years

Behind Dave’s long triathlon career has been the steady support of his wife, Sue, with whom he has shared 41 years. In the early days, Sue attended most races. She especially enjoyed the events at Cottesloe, City Beach and Fremantle, where the social atmosphere was fun and she could watch Dave race around the course.

Dave is a proud father of two daughters, a grandad to five grandchildren, and recently became a great‑grandfather too.

Outside of triathlon, Dave spent many years sailing at the South of Perth Yacht Club. He raced in the cruiser division aboard a boat owned by his captain, who sadly passed away from cancer. Dave continued sailing the boat for the next 15 years, often finishing a long morning ride, rushing home to get changed, and heading straight to the yacht club. He always had time to stop at Macca’s for a thick shake on the way though!

After retiring at age 55, Dave turned his attention to coaching which was something he had always wanted to do. He completed his Level 1 coaching course and began coaching swimming alongside Peter Trench, a role he continued for more than 20 years, right up until only weeks ago.

Dave coached swimmers and triathletes at Bold Park and Wesley College, while supporting cycling training with long-time friend Phil Ingpen. Coaching was never about accolades for Dave, it was about helping others improve, stay safe, and enjoy the sport.

Advice for Beginners and Fellow Triathletes

Dave finished every race he ever started, with only two exceptions: one caused by a mechanical issue and the other by heat exhaustion.

“Perseverance,” he said. “Just keep moving. Walk if you must. Lift your head, keep going, finish the race and enjoy it.”

He also emphasises the importance of easing into the sport, training properly, avoiding injury, and not worrying too much about having the best equipment.

“Triathlon doesn’t have to be expensive. Borrow a bike. Buy second hand. What matters is commitment.”

Generosity and Love for the Community

Dave’s ethos of second hand and supporting others continues, even now that he is no longer able to race.

As many of you might know, unfortunately Dave has been battling terminal cancer for some time now, and is no longer able to race. One of his wishes during this difficult time has been to gift his bike and triathlon gear to a deserving fellow triathlete. We were very honoured to help make that happen.

Dave’s vision was to gift his bike to an athlete who demonstrates strong commitment to the sport through regular training and competition. With the support of the Perth Tri Club Committee, Nicola Horstmann was chosen as the recipient.

On Sunday 11 January 2026 at the Interclub Champs, Dave proudly presented his bike to Nicola, a fellow PTC club mate. She was deeply honoured and grateful, and plans to put the bike to good use in her upcoming races, especially as she didn’t previously own a TT bike. She has also promised to send Dave a photo of the bike at her next event.

Our sincere thanks go to Mandurah Triathlon Club for giving us the opportunity to share this special moment, to Life Member Sam Prince who rode to Halls Head from Busselton for the occasion, and to Dave Scott for his strength, dedication, generosity, and for the selfless way he continues supporting the community he loves.

Susan ‘Suze’ Androvich is the kind of person who brings energy and positivity wherever she goes. Always smiling, always cheering for others, and always ready to lend a hand. Susan makes every training session and race day brighter for her Mandurah Tri Clubmates. Her passion for triathlon and commitment to her club are truly contagious, inspiring those around her to get involved.

Susan has raced many an IM 70.3 and toed many a local start line. She has raced as part of the Australian Age Group team several times, and is a triathlon Technical Official with 7+ years of service. She’s also been a huge part of Mandurah Triathlon Club for years, taking on all sorts of roles, including a stint as President. That alone says a lot about her commitment.

Whether she’s out on the course, volunteering, or shouting support from the sidelines, Susan shows exactly what community spirit looks like in our sport.

What do you love most about being a member of your club?

Being part of such a welcoming and friendly group of people. The camaraderie and support make every session enjoyable and rewarding.

What advice would you give to a new member?

Just do it. Looking in from the outside, triathlon looks like a very intimidating sport, but once you join and give it a go, it will quickly become part of your life. Your tri club members will soon become your extended family.

How did you get into triathlon?

I was living in Kalgoorlie when a group of friends wanted to try the Women’s Triathlon held every October. We signed up, received six weeks of training, and completed our first triathlon together. It was such an empowering experience and doing it with friends made it even more special. That was in 2010, and I’ve been addicted to this sport ever since.

Fun fact about You

Sadly, I talk too much and overshare everything, so I can’t think of anything people don’t already know about me!

If you could have dinner with any athlete?

Eliud Kipchoge (Kenyan long-distance runner). He is such an amazing athlete, and his ‘no human is limited’ philosophy is inspiring.

Hobbies outside of Triathlon?

I passed my motorbike test last year and have started riding motorbikes because one expensive hobby isn’t enough!

Most memorable triathlon moment?

During the Triathlon Multisport World Championships in Ibiza in 2023, riding my bike around the Spanish countryside representing my country was such a ‘pinch me’ moment.

If you could trade places with any athlete for a day?

Nobody. Every day we get to do this sport is the best day. Why would you want to trade that!

Goal for the season?

To make it through the entire season without injury, find my running mojo, and maybe try smiling during a race just for a change.

Editor’s note: we have SO many pics of Suze smiling during a race! 👇

Susan’s journey is a perfect example of how sport (triathlon) can transform lives – not just through fitness, but through friendships, confidence, and unforgettable experiences. From her first Women’s Triathlon in Kalgoorlie to representing Australia on the world stage in Spain, she continues to inspire everyone around her with her positivity and passion.

We’re proud to celebrate Susan as our January Member of the Month and thank her for everything she brings to the Mandurah Tri Club and the wider triathlon community.

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.

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.

Technical Officiating Team

WA was very proud to have five representatives on the Australian Technical Team at Wollongong. Congratulations to Frank, Cathy, Sue, Steve and Gaye.

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.

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 23^rd 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”.