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On Sunday, 25 May 2025, the 2024/25 Triathlon WA Annual Awards were held at the newly renovated Claremont Hotel. We welcomed nearly 150 athletes, supporters, staff, partners and friends to the Grevillea Room to celebrate the season sundowner style. Rob Goyen was our MC, with speeches from TWA President Brenden Koh, TWA Executive Director Mel Farley, and our special award winners.

Triathlon WA would like to congratulate the below award winners on their achievements and contributions in the 2024/25 season. Thank you for being part of the community, and thank you for supporting the sport. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2025/26 for another fantastic year of racing.

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• Triathlete of the Year
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SPECIAL AWARDS

All special award winners were chosen from a fantastic pool of nominees by the Triathlon WA Nominations Panel. A big thank you to everyone who took the time to send in a nomination. Your input really helps us shine a light on the people making a difference in our triathlon community.

Community Coach of the Year

The winner of this award was chosen based on their outstanding coaching of age group triathletes and their proven demonstration of key qualities, including strong engagement with their athletes, high integrity and respect, a genuine commitment to community, and a clear dedication to growing the sport of triathlon here in WA

The 2025 recipient of the Community Coach of the Year Award was Geordie James.

Geordie has worked tirelessly to create regular and accessible training opportunities for Rockingham Triathlon Club members. From beginners’ swim squads to Splash and Dash sessions, he’s made sure there are consistent ways for athletes of all ages and abilities to get involved, improve their fitness, and build confidence. His inclusive approach has attracted a new wave of age group members while also helping to bring through the next generation of triathletes.

His selfless dedication to his club is something truly special. Passionate coaches like Geordie spark interest, build community, and contribute to the ongoing growth of the sport at a grassroots level.

Coach of the Year

The winner of this award was chosen based on their ongoing consideration, commitment, and dedication to coaching Triathlon WA members, as well as their role in supporting Australian athletes to achieve significant competitive success at either the Age Group or High-Performance level between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025.

Our 2025 Coach of the Year for 2025 is Steve Gleeson.

Steve is a High-Performance accredited coach who focuses on the individual needs of his athletes and has helped several WA athletes achieve excellent results at the local, national, and international level. Among them are Sian Munks, with podium finishes at the Oceania Super Sprint and Malaysia Continental Cup, and Sally Pilbeam, who placed 7th at the Paris Paralympics — where Steve also joined the Aussie team as an accredited coach.

He has supported several Pathway Program sessions throughout the season, contributing to the development of the next generation of athletes. His athletes say he leads by example, never misses a training session, and is genuinely dedicated to helping each athlete reach their full potential.

Steve Barrie Technical Official of the Year

The Technical Official of the Year Award, established in 2000, was renamed in 2007 to honour TWA Life Member Steve Barrie. This award recognises a Technical Official who has made a valuable contribution to the program based on their regular participation in the Field of Play and their contribution to the progression of the program throughout the season.

Our 2025 Steve Barrie Technical Official of the Year is Paul Taylor.

This season, Paul has taken on more senior roles within the officiating team, developing his skills along the way. He brings a calm, level-headed approach to every task and is always ready to step in wherever needed. Paul served as Head Referee and also took on his first Technical Delegate role this season, demonstrating his growing experience and commitment to the sport.

Technical Service Awards

The Technical Service Awards are awarded in recognition of a Technical Official who has provided many years of commitment and service. The sport would not be possible if it wasn’t for our Technical Officials.

5 Years of Service – Lucy Harris
5 Years of Service – Kelly-Lynn Fleming
5 Years of Service – Naomi Edmunds

15 Years of Service – Sue Scott
Sue Scott is a standout contributor to triathlon officiating and competition across WA and beyond. As a Level 3 Australian Technical Official and a Level 2 Continental Technical Official with World Triathlon, she brings elite expertise to every event she supports.

Sue’s leadership roles span senior positions at races nationwide, yet she never misses an opportunity to don her age‑group athlete hat — often competing one day and officiating the next.

Her dual talents, dedication, and breadth of experience make her an invaluable asset to the technical program and very worthy of recognition. Thank you, Sue!

Chris Hewitt Memorial Award

The Chris Hewitt Memorial Award acknowledges the service and contribution of Chris Hewitt, past TWA and Triathlon Australia President and member of Stadium Triathlon Club. Originally known as the President’s Trophy, the Award was renamed the Chris Hewitt Memorial Award in 2006.

The TWA President presents this Award to the person deemed to have made the most outstanding contribution to the sport of triathlon through the past season.

The recipient of the Chris Hewitt Memorial Award is Deb Kempe.

Deb has made an incredible impact at Perth Triathlon Club, particularly in the Coach Development space. Volunteering her time to mentor new coaching recruits, she provides thoughtful, constructive, and encouraging feedback that helps them grow in confidence and capability. A passionate and engaged member of Triathlon WA, Deb is always looking for ways to give back and uplift others.

Individual Performance of the Year – Female

This award recognises the most outstanding performance/s by a Western Australian athlete in World Triathlon and Elite events between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025. Our winners demonstrate not only fantastic results, but also integrity, good sportsmanship, and respect for all within the community.

The Female Individual Performance of the Year winner is Paralympian Sally Pilbeam.

Competing in the para-triathlon category PTS4, Sally has had several fantastic results throughout the season including:

• 3rd place at 2024 World Triathlon Para Championships Torremolinos-Andalucia, Spain
• 4th place at 2024 World Triathlon Para Series Yokohama, Japan
• 7th place at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in September

Her journey to Paris was truly inspiring, and achieving that dream is nothing short of remarkable. I’m sure you all watched on from home cheering her on. We couldn’t be prouder of her incredible dedication and success.

Individual Performance of the Year – Male

Our 2025 Male Individual Performance of the Year winner is Matt Burton.

Matt claimed 1st place at the 2024 IRONMAN Asia-Pacific Championship in Cairns — his biggest career win to date. He smashed the competition with a new IRONMAN Cairns course record of 7:45:24, beating Braden Currie’s 2023 record by over five minutes.

Burton didn’t just set the overall course best time; he also obliterated the cycle course record with an incredible 4:05:54 — nearly 10 minutes faster than Cameron Wurf’s 2017 time.

On top of that, he ran 32 minutes faster than he did on the same course last time. This outstanding performance is even more remarkable considering Burton had a serious infection in his right foot in January 2024 – just a few months before the June race.

Professional Athlete of the Year Award – Female

This year, we were excited to introduce a brand-new award. It recognises a Western Australian professional athlete who has delivered the highest level of consistent performance across the season — specifically in domestic World Triathlon draft-legal events and/or professional long course non-drafting races, between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025. Only specific events were included in the eligibility criteria for this award.

Our 2025 Female Professional Athlete of the Year is Sian Munks.

Sian has had a very consistent season, with results including:

• 3rd place at the 2024 Oceania Triathlon Super-Sprint Championships Gold Coast
• 7th place at the 2025 Oceania Triathlon Sprint Championships Mooloolaba
• 12th place at the 2025 Oceania Triathlon Championships Devonport

She was also the winner of our State Sprint Championship at Coastal Quest earlier in the season.

Professional Athlete of the Year Award – Male

Our Male Professional Athlete of the Year is Paralympian David Bryant.

Competing in the para-triathlon category PTS5, David has had brilliant results this season including 2nd place at 2025 World Triathlon Para Series Devonport and 1st place at 2025 Oceania Triathlon Para Champs Mooloolaba.

He also proudly represented Australia for the second time at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, placing 8th in an incredibly competitive field. It was an exciting race to watch, and a fantastic experience to cheer him on all the way from Perth.

Pathway Program Athlete of the Year – Female

The WA Pathway program inspires a lifelong passion for triathlon in young athletes aged 12 to 23. More than just training, it offers a supportive environment for skill development, knowledge building, and personal growth, with a strong focus on long-term enjoyment, health, and success both in sport and life.

The Pathway Athlete of the Year award recognises not only performance, but also outstanding commitment, attitude, leadership, and improvement throughout the season. This year, we’re proud to present both Male and Female awards, celebrating two athletes who truly embody the spirit of Team WA.

Both recipients are wonderful people and have been enthusiastic participants in Team WA masterclasses this season. They consistently demonstrate energy, focus, and leadership, and their results speak volumes, with standout performances at both local and national levels.

The Female winner for 2025 is Ava Henville.

At just 16 years old, Ava is a proud Junior Squad member of Team WA and has had yet another incredible season. She won every local race she lined up for this year, including taking out the Senior title at the School Sport Australia National Championships, held in Rockingham back in March.

Ava also made her mark on the national stage, claiming a brilliant 3rd place at the Oceania Junior Sprint Championships in Devonport. And most recently, she stepped up to the Elite level for the very first time at the Oceania Super Sprint Championships in Runaway Bay—placing an impressive 13th as one of the youngest athletes in a top-quality field.

Pathway Program Athlete of the Year – Male

Our Male winner for 2025 is Christophe Gardner.

Christophe is a dedicated Under 23 squad member in the Pathway program, and he’s had a standout season too. He stepped up to compete in the Open field locally and pushed himself even further by racing in the Elite field at several national World Triathlon events.

His results this season have been nothing short of impressive—finishing 14th in a very strong field at the recent Oceania Elite Super Sprint Championships in Queensland, 11th at the Oceania Elite Sprint Championships in Mooloolaba in March, and 2nd place in the Open field at the Bunbury Standard State Championships back in February. Christophe continues to challenge himself at every opportunity and is a great example of commitment and progression in the sport.

CLUB AWARDS

Champion Club

The Champion Club trophy is awarded annually to the club whose members accumulate the most points across the Triathlete of the Year Series in proportion to the size of the club. This includes both the Senior and Junior Series, recognising not just performance, but also participation.

The winner of the 2025 Champion Club Award is Mandurah Triathlon Club.

Interclub Series Conference Champions

The TWA Interclub Competition is divided into three regions across WA, with clubs earning points based on their members’ participation and performance at events featured on the Interclub Series Calendar.

We’d like to extend a big thank you to all the club members who took part in the Series, the Race Directors who hosted events, the volunteers and committees behind the scenes, and the clubs for getting behind the competition.

The Winner of the North Conference is North Coast Triathlon Club.

The Winner of the South Conference is Fremantle Triathlon Club

The Winner of the Regional Conference is Bunbury Triathlon Club

The Winner of the 2024/25 Interclub Overall Champion is Fremantle Triathlon Club

TRIATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARDS

TOTY Open Winners – Male and Female

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

An athlete’s best three (3) results were considered in the point scores, with awards presented to the top three (3) eligible athletes.

PLACE	MALE	FEMALE
1st	Kurt Wesley	Madi Toovey
2nd	Reece Harris	Ella Phelan
3rd	Christophe Gardner	Alexandra Meek

TOTY Age Group Winners – Male and Female

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

An athlete’s best three (3) results were considered in the point scores, with awards presented to the top three (3) eligible athletes.

FEMALE WINNERS

NAME	AGE GROUP	PLACE
Florence Erskine	12-13 yrs	1ST
Erin O’Hare	12-13 yrs	2ND
Mila Johnson	12-13 yrs	3RD
Ella Rayner	14-15 yrs	1ST
Olivia Smith	14-15 yrs	2ND
Lucy Henville	14-15 yrs	3RD
Ava Henville	16-19 yrs	1ST
Gemma Gorton	16-19 yrs	2ND
Megan Macpherson	16-19 yrs	3RD
Emma Drew	20-24	1ST
Lucy Dowling	25-29	1ST
Janne Liebmann	30-34	1ST
Donna Kimpton	30-34	2ND
Brittany Edwards	30-34	3RD
Michelle Carranza	35-39	1ST
Emma Moon	40-44	1ST
Danni Jones	40-44	2ND
Melinda Evans	40-44	3RD
Andrea Hopkin	45-49	1ST
Kate Atkinson	45-49	2ND
Eve O’Hare	45-49	3RD
No eligible athletes	50-54	–
Dorothy Roe	55-59	1ST
Pip Laufmann	55-59	2ND
Lise Ashton	60-64	1ST
Ruth Metcalf	60-64	2ND
Julia Gobbert	65-69	1ST

MALE WINNERS

NAME	AGE GROUP	PLACE
Brodie Moir	12-13 yrs	1ST
Joel Turner	12-13 yrs	2ND
Tate Jahn	12-13 yrs	3RD
Cooper Smeulders	14-15 yrs	1ST
Luke Williams	14-15 yrs	2ND
Aiden Behan	14-15 yrs	3RD
Ivan Nagel	16-19 yrs	1ST
Caide Ellis	16-19 yrs	2ND
Jack Wicks	16-19 yrs	3RD
Daniel Buis	20-24	1ST
Harrison McGuinness	20-24	2ND
Darcey Ovens	25-29	1ST
Steven Pocock	25-29	2ND
Keeley Rodgers	25-29	3RD
Fraser Shand	30-34	1ST
Jarrad Bowen	30-34	2ND
Drew Black	30-34	3RD
Iain Miller	35-39	1ST
Kieran Birch	35-39	2ND
Ben Connell	35-39	3RD
Brett Johnson	40-44	1ST
Philipp Albert	40-44	2ND
Cameron Sobejko	40-44	3RD
Barry Williamson	45-49	1ST
Marcus Rooney	45-49	2ND
Tom Andrew	45-49	3RD
Bart Hollemans	50-54	1ST
Hamish Mactavish	50-54	2ND
Stuart Durham	50-54	3RD
Matt Mckay	55-59	1ST
Russell Harris	55-59	2ND
Lucky Phil Monks	55-59	3RD
Darryl Harris	60-64	1ST
Andrew Johns	60-64	2ND
Ian Nokes	60-64	3RD
Barry Silverlock	65-69	1ST

GALLERY

On Sunday, 18 May, Triathlon WA proudly hosted its first-ever Community Circle – a brand-new initiative designed to bring together the heart of our sport: our Coaches, Technical Officials, and Club committee members.

The goal? To foster connection, promote shared learning, and strengthen our community by listening, learning, and leading together. 

The day kicked off with an exploration of the participant’s individual Athlete Assessments DISC profile, a powerful online tool designed to enhance self-awareness and personal leadership. These profiles help sports professionals better understand their behaviour, communication styles, and work preferences. Guided by renowned performance psychologist Dr Sandy Gordon of Performance Perspectives International, participants delved into their individual reports, uncovering valuable insights into their behaviours, motivations, strengths, and growth areas. 

Dr Gordon also introduced the SOAR feedback model – focusing on Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results. In the lead-up to the forum, participants were encouraged to reflect on and interview peers about their TWA experiences using appreciative inquiry, which encourages focus on the positive present and possible future. This reflective approach set the tone for rich conversations about how we can collectively support the future Triathlon WA operations and growth. 

After a delicious lunch participants connected and engaged in discussions about the TWA Pathway Program and Coach Development Plans for 2025/26. Presented by Janine Kaye, Triathlon WA Athlete and Coach Development Manager. This session highlighted key challenges and future opportunities, which called upon on the collective wisdom and experience in the room to help shape solutions. The flexible layout of the day was designed to accommodate our volunteers’ diverse schedules, allowing guests to come and go as needed. We recognise that many in our community juggle multiple commitments and may not be available for the entire day.

To close out the day, we swapped strategy for fun with a hilarious and high-energy round of Archery Skirmish. Two teams battled it out in three rounds of friendly competition, filled with laughter, banter, and team spirit. It was the perfect way to end a day focused on connection, fun, and community. 

This productive forum could not have happened without the support for the Department of Local Government, Sport & Cultural Industries, Coaching and Officiating Grant.

Our first Community Circle event was an overwhelming success, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took part. Your openness, time, and honest feedback were invaluable. We deeply appreciate your commitment to triathlon in WA, and we’re excited to build on this momentum. More opportunities for members of our Community Circle to connect, share, learn and have fun together are already in the pipeline for next season and beyond. 

Western Australia’s elite and U23 triathletes have once again shown their strength, and competitive spirit on the international stage, racing in tough conditions and stacked fields across two key events earlier this month.

Oceania Triathlon Super Sprint Championships – Runaway Bay (2 May)

It was a day of fast feet, sharp strategies, and smart recovery as the Oceania Triathlon Super Sprint Championships roared to life at the Gold Coast Performance Centre.

With stormy skies overhead and rain pooling across the course, athletes battled through an all-day eliminator format. They navigated heats, repechages, and semi-finals in hopes of securing a spot in the prestigious Super Sprint Finals on Sunday. The course featured a 250-metre swim, 7-kilometre bike, and 1.5-kilometre run, delivering exciting, high-pressure racing where every second counted.

Competing against a stacked field of Oceania’s top athletes, including defending champion Jayden Schofield, Australians Bradley Course, Lachlan Jones and Jack Woodberry, along with Kiwi contenders Saxon Morgan and James Corbet; our WA athletes gained invaluable experience at this high-performance event.

On the women’s side, the Kiwis were dominant, with Eva Goodison and Ainsley Thorpe both going undefeated through the rounds. Australia remained well represented, with Emma Jeffcoat, Charlotte Derbyshire, Aspen Anderson, Ellie Hoitink and WA’s own Kira Hedgeland all securing their place in the final.

Our WA athletes rose to the challenge:

Women:
Sian Munks – 12^th
Ava Henville – 13^th
Rhianna Hepburn – 20^th

Men:
Christophe Gardner – 14^th
Joshua Neervoort – 23^rd
Ivan Nagel – 28^th
Reece Harris – 31^st
Joshua Fletcher – 38th

Josh Neervoort reflected on the intensity of the event, saying: “It was a super fun event. The back-to-back nature of the race meant you couldn’t afford to make mistakes and had to be on top of your recovery between races.”

Christophe Gardner added: “Great fun, but quite hard.” – we feel that!

Asia Triathlon Cup – Subic Bay (3 May)

Just one day later, Samuel Mileham flew the WA flag at the Asia Triathlon Cup in Subic Bay, Philippines, finishing in an impressive 6th place among a competitive field of international elites. Known for its hot and humid conditions, Subic Bay’s standard distance course is a true test for all athletes.

“Overjoyed with this result,” said Mileham. “I believed, trusted the process, and gave it my all. It was one of those rare days where everything just clicked.”

Representing Singapore in the women’s field was WA athlete Herlene Yu, who showed incredible determination by finishing the standard distance race despite battling a fever and throat infection. Her experience is a powerful reminder of the perseverance required in triathlon, and that sometimes it’s okay to pivot your goals when things don’t go to plan.

“My goals immediately shifted and all I wanted was to finish the race. There were countless times where I wanted to walk off the course, but the desire to avoid a DNF outweighed all the negative thoughts. It wasn’t pretty, but I’m proud of myself for finishing in the infamous 34-degree Subic heat.”

Triathlon WA congratulates all athletes on their efforts and results. We’re proud to see WA athletes stepping up on the Oceania and Asian stages, racing hard, learning from each experience, and continuing their development in the elite and U23 ranks.

Triathlon WA Annual Awards

The Triathlon WA Annual Awards for the 2024/25 season will be a Sundowner function held on Sunday 25th May 2025 from 4pm – 7pm at the Claremont Hotel, Lvl 1 Grevillea Room & Balcony. Tickets on sale NOW!

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Nominations are now open for the following Award categories:

• Performance of the Year Award
• Professional Athlete of the Year Award (NEW)
• Community Coach of the Year
• Coach of the Year
• Steve Barrie Award (Technical Official of the Year)
• Service to Sport Award
• Life Membership

Other awards that will be presented, but do not require nominations from the community/public include the Chris Hewitt Memorial Award (President’s Trophy), Pathway Program Athlete of the Year Award and Technical Official Years of Service Recognition. Learn more about these awards in the Annual Award Policy below.

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Policies

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Eligibility, Nomination Period and Nomination Forms

In season 2024/25, the eligibility window for performances, events, and other services to be eligible for an Annual Award nomination is 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025 (12 months).

Nominations for awards will be accepted via the official nomination forms for a period of two (2) weeks, closing on Monday 28 April 2025.

To nominate for awards, please scroll to the relevant award category and hit the ‘Nominate’ button.

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Life Membership

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.

Life Membership candidates will have demonstrated contributions to the organisation over a minimum period of ten (10) years. If the nomination is successful, then the President of TWA will present the nomination at the Annual General Meeting for voting as per the Triathlon WA Constitution.

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Performance of the Year Award

This award recognises the most outstanding performance by a Western Australian athlete in World Triathlon and Elite events between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025. To be eligible for these awards, nominees must be members of Triathlon WA at the time of the performance to be recognised and either hold a professional license, be an elite athlete, or be a categorized athlete. Finalists must be in good standing with Triathlon WA and AusTriathlon, and continually demonstrate high integrity standards, sportsmanship, and respect for all within the community.to select finalists. Finalists will then be presented to the TWA Board for selection of award winners.

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NEW – Professional Athlete of the Year Award

This Award recognises the Western Australian professional athlete who attains the highest level of consistent performance in domestic WT Draft Legal and/or Professional Long Course Non-Drafting events between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025. The winner of this Award must be a member of Triathlon WA. Public nominations are not required for these awards.

For this season, the eligible events include:

• 2024 World Triathlon Cup Wollongong
• 2024 Oceania Triathlon Super-Sprint Championships Gold Coast
• 2024 World Triathlon Long Distance Championships Townsville
• 2025 World Triathlon Para Series Devonport
• 2025 Oceania Triathlon Championships Devonport
• 2025 Oceania Triathlon Sprint Championships Mooloolaba
• 2025 Oceania Triathlon Para Championships Mooloolaba
• 2024 IRONMAN Cairns
• 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 Busselton
• 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong

These awards need not be awarded every year. Dependent on the number of candidates, this award can be given to one male and one female person, or just one person for an “overall” award.

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Coach of the Year

This award is intended to recognise individuals who demonstrate ongoing consideration, commitment and dedication towards coaching Triathlon WA members, and assisting Australian athletes to achieve significant competition success at Age Group and/or the High-Performance level. Supporting performances, results and proof of progression must be achieved between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 to be eligible.

To be eligible for this Award, nominees must be a member of Triathlon WA and hold a current AusTriathlon coach Accreditation (Development, Performance or High Performance) with all necessary qualifications and valid credentials at the time of nomination. Nominees must be in good standing with Triathlon WA and AusTriathlon, upholding high integrity standards, consideration for athlete wellbeing and showing respect for all within the community.

While nominees may coach international athletes, only performances of their Australian athletes will be considered. Nominations are accepted from members. Coaches may self-nominate for this Award.

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Community Coach of the Year

This award is intended to recognise and honour a Western Australian triathlon coach who has shown exceptional commitment, inspiring and guiding athletes with unwavering dedication and enthusiasm, and contributing significantly to the development and success of triathletes within the community. This award highlights the coach’s impact on growth, progression, and wellbeing of Triathlon WA members and the broader community.

Triathlon WA will seek nominations from the members to recommend a coach for this award. Eligibility will be confirmed by Triathlon WA staff before presenting nominees to the Honours Committee to select finalists. Finalists will be presented to the TWA Board for selection of the Community Coach of the Year award winner.

To be eligible for this Award, nominees must be current members of Triathlon WA and a current accredited triathlon coach with all necessary valid qualifications and credentials at the time of nomination. Supporting performances, results and proof of progression must be achieved between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 to be eligible.

Nominees will be considered based on their coaching of age group triathletes and proven demonstration of engagement with athletes, high integrity & respect, community and commitment to growing the sport of triathlon in WA.

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Steve Barrie Award

The Technical Official of the Year Award has been acknowledged since 2000. In recognition of the significant contribution life member Steve Barrie made to the sport, the Board renamed the Award in his honour in 2007.

The Steve Barrie Award recognises an individual’s valuable contribution to the technical program based on their regular participation in the Field of Play (minimum of four events in the season) and their contribution to the progression of the program throughout the season.

Steve Barrie was deeply passionate about triathlon and actively involved in all aspects of the sport. As a Triathlon WA Board member, Technical Official, coach, mentor, and long-time competitor, Steve’s dedication was unwavering, even while living in Albany. His commitment to supporting the growth and development of triathlon in WA was unparalleled.

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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 been associated with Triathlon WA directly, but instead provided significant benefit to the sport at club, event or other association level.

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

Nominations 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. This award need not be awarded every year.

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Triathlon Western Australia is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) from interested and suitably qualified individuals to fill roles on the following Board Committees:

• Athlete Advisory Committee
• Diversity and Inclusion Committee
• Honours Committee

Triathlon Western Australia (TWA) is the State Sporting Organisation responsible for the development, promotion and governance of the sport of triathlon throughout Western Australia. TWA is a not-for-profit organisation which is governed by the Board of TWA and affiliated with the national body, AusTriathlon.

TWA’s vision is to create a happier, healthier and more connected community through triathlon and multisport experiences. TWA has a Board of up to five (5) elected and four (4) appointed directors, who set the strategic direction and oversee the organisation. The Board is made up of individuals who have a range of qualifications, skills and experience and encompass diversity in aspects such as gender, age, background and perspective. This supports best practice as outlined in the Australia Sports Commission’s Sport Governance Principles. In addition to the Board, there is a team of staff, led by the Executive Director, who is employed by Triathlon WA.

The Board is seeking to rebuild and expand the Committee structure that supports the work of the organisation. Each Committee has defined Terms of Reference, including the roles and responsibilities of the Committee. They all have the ability to make recommendations to the Board, however are not decision making authorities in their own right. The Committees tend to meet 3-4 times per year, in line with key events or timeframes of the Board.

People from a diverse range of experience and backgrounds are encouraged to nominate. This may include, but is not limited to the following considerations:
• people identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
• persons with a disability that is ongoing
• people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• people of all genders
• people identifying as LGBTQI+
• people currently living in a regional location in Western Australia

COMMITTEE DESCRIPTIONS

ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (NEW)

The Triathlon WA Athlete Advisory Committee (AAC) is a new subcommittee established by the Triathlon WA Board to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to:
• The strategic direction for growth and retention of membership and participation.
• Matters that impact members and participants at all levels of the sport, such as programs, education, communications, race calendar and more.
The TWA Board is seeking up to eight (8) individuals to join this committee for a period of two (2) years:
o Up to six (6) current age group athletes who have participated in at least four (4) sanctioned events over the preceding two (2) seasons
o Up to two (2) current Open athletes that do not hold a professional licence
o Up to two (2) current pro athletes, including para
o Up to two (2) current Team WA pathway athletes
o Up to two (2) current accredited Triathlon Coaches (Development or higher)
• Where possible, membership should achieve a balance of athletes who represent a range of racing and training environments, and gender balance.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE (Formerly Women in Triathlon Committee)

The Triathlon WA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee is an expanded subcommittee appointed by the Triathlon WA Board to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to:
• Advising on the strategic direction of diversity and inclusion for TWA.
• Creating a culture that is welcoming and inclusive within the sport of triathlon.
• Putting forward recommendations to increase participation in DLGSC targeted inclusion demographics of: women and girls, youth, First Nations, CaLD, disability, aged and LGBTIQ+, as per the strategic direction of TWA.
The TWA Board is seeking the following to join this committee for a period of two (2) years:
• Up to five (5) individuals who may or may not be a Triathlon WA member, and who have appropriate expertise and experience. A strong preference is to seek individuals who have diverse backgrounds and lived experience within the targeted inclusion areas.

HONOURS COMMITTEE (NEW)

The Triathlon WA Honours Committee is a new subcommittee established by the Triathlon WA Board to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to:
• The endorsement and / or selection of members for Triathlon WA Annual Awards.
• The endorsement and / or selection of members for any other appropriate state or national awards.
• Review and make any recommended changes to various awards policies.
The TWA Board is seeking the following to join this committee for a period of two (2) years:
• Up to two (2) individuals who are currently involved in the sport at local, state or national level
• Up to two (2) individuals who are TWA Life Members
 

CONDITIONS

• Nominees must be over 16 years of age
• Nominees must complete the Nomination Form provided, which is submitted to the Executive Director by 5:00pm AWST Monday 31 March 2025 via email: mel.farley@wa.triathlon.org.au
• All positions as a Committee member are voluntary and not remunerated.
• You may sit on more than one committee at any one time.
• Committee Members must declare their interest in any contractual, selection, disciplinary or other matter in which a conflict of interest arises or may arise, and will absent themselves from discussions of that matter and will not be entitled to vote in respect of that matter.
• In compliance with current legislation, all Committee Members, where applicable, may be asked to provide a Working with Children (WWC) Check. If exempt from a WWC Check, candidates may be required to apply for National Police Clearance for Volunteers. Your nomination to the Committee indicates acceptance of this condition.
• Committee Meetings are usually held in person at the TWA Office in Floreat, however venues may change and attendance via Teams video calls are also an option. Most Committees will meet 3-4 times per year.

HOW TO NOMINATE

All current financial members of TWA will be emailed EOI information, including the attached form which enables candidates to prepare their nomination.

Candidates need to:
• Complete the attached Nomination Form
• Submit via email no later than 5:00pm AWST Monday 31 March 2025

For more information, please contact the TWA Executive Director on 08 9443 9778 or email mel.farley@wa.triathlon.org.au

APPOINTMENT PROCESS

Once nominations close, all candidates will be reviewed by the relevant Committee Chair, the President and/or the Executive Director. The Committee Chairs will make a recommendation to the Triathlon WA Board, who will make the final decision.

Triathlon WA is seeking expressions of interest for up to two (2) interested and suitably qualified individuals to be appointed to the Triathlon WA Board for a period of two (2) years.

• One (1) Appointed Board Position commencing in March 2025
• One (1) Appointed Board Position commencing by June 2025

The Board plays an important role in the continued progression, improvement, and growth of the sport in WA and is in search of candidates with skills that align with the strategic direction of the organisation and complement the current skill mix of the Board. Board members contribute to the overall governance activities of the Board, including providing input on the matters of corporate strategy, policy formulation and implementation, Executive Director performance, as well as oversight of the financial performance, risk management and compliance.

To ensure that the Board has the right balance of skills to effectively lead the organisation into the future, TWA is seeking nominations from individuals with a range of qualifications, skills and experience, as outlined in the nomination form. It is also desirable for the Board to encompass diversity in aspects such as gender, age, background and perspective. All interested persons are encouraged to apply.

CANDIDATE SKILL REQUIREMENTS
Interested candidates are required to demonstrate experience in any or all of Skill Set A or B or C or D. Additional skills listed below are highly desirable.

Skill Set A: Marketing and Sponsorship

Experience or skills include but not limited to;

• Marketing and Brand Strategy
• Digital Media Experience
• Sponsorship Acquisition

Skill Set B: Stakeholder/Media Engagement

Experience or skills include but not limited to;

• Political Relations
• Government Relationship/Engagement
• Member/Customer Engagement
• Media Connections

Skill Set C: Business and Commercial Management

Experience or skills include but not limited to;

• Legal Acumen
• Negotiating/Contract Management
• Dispute resolution/mediation
• Financial Acumen – financial processes, Not-for-Profit financial management, interpreting reports
• Change Management

Skill Set D: Diversity and Inclusion

Experience or skills include but not limited to;

• Indigenous engagement
• Knowledge of disability sport
• Regional WA knowledge
• Sport integrity management
• Minority group engagement

In addition to the above, Board Members should ideally have experience within;

• Strategic Planning,
• Governance,
• Risk Management and
• Financial Management.

Previous Board Experience and Director Qualification/ AICD Membership would be highly regarded.

Nominations must be received on the attached form prior to 5:00pm AWST Tuesday 18 February 2025

By email to:
Executive Director
Email: mel.farley@wa.triathlon.org.au

Or in person to:

Triathlon Western Australia
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SportHQ, 203 Underwood Avenue, FLOREAT WA 6014
Ph: 08 9443 9778 Office hours 9:00am – 5:00pm Monday-Friday ONLY

We’re excited to bring you exclusive member discounts through our new partnerships with Arena Swimming, 361 Degrees, The Running Centre and LSKD!

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Summer really turned it up at Whitford Nodes Park for the Coastal Quest Triathlon on Sunday, December 8, 2024. Hosted by XTR Multisports, this adrenaline-charged event had something for everyone, featuring races like the Bolt, Draft Legal, Sprint, Duathlon, Aquabike, and the Kids Triathlon.

The Sprint distance event was the highly competitive Triathlon WA Senior State Sprint Championship, while the Draft Legal distance acted as a State Series race for juniors aged 16-19, and the Bolt distance for 12-15 year olds.

With temperatures rising and spirits soaring, athletes of all ages embraced the challenge, delivering a day filled with passion, perseverance, and plenty of personal triumphs. The competition was intense, the atmosphere electric, and the community support undeniable!

Congratulations to all 560+ athletes who raced!

DRAFT LEGAL

The Draft Legal distance was the first State Series race of the 2024/25 season for our junior athletes aged 14-19 years. 42 amazing juniors were at the start line poised for an incredible race.

MALES
Jack Wicks (Mandurah) made an explosive start, emerging first from the 300m swim in a lightning-fast 00:04:17.52. A close chase ensued as Lachlan El Ansary (non-club), Luke Williams (North Coast), Ivan Nagel (EFS), and Liam Johnson (XTR) sprinted into T1 just seconds behind.

On the bike course, Nagel showed his strength, crushing the 14km distance in 20:57.38—over a minute faster than his competitors—and heading into T2 with a commanding lead.

The final 3km run brought fierce competition between Nagel and Caide Ellis (Mandurah). Step for step, the two athletes battled it out, with Ellis clocking the fastest run split at an incredible 00:10:30.32. However, Nagel’s consistency and strength across all legs secured the gap and his victory, placing first overall in a time of 00:38:16.45. Ellis finished in second with a strong 00:38:42.16, while El Ansary’s impressive performance earned him third in 00:39:13.33. Fremantle’s Cooper Smeulders showcased his talent as the fastest 14-15-year-old, finishing fourth overall, with clubmate Rhys Cameron completing the top five.

FEMALES
Ella Rayner (North Coast), Ava Henville (Exceed), and Isabella Neervoort (Fremantle) made waves early at the Coastal Quest Triathlon, exiting the water within seconds of each other after a swift 300m swim. Rayner led the pack with the fastest swim split of 4:52.17, closely followed by the others and fellow North Coast-ian Gemma Gorton as they raced into T1.

On the bike, Henville dominated the 14km course, clocking a lightning-fast time of 23:10.92—over a minute ahead of her closest competitor, Olivia Smith (EFS). Meanwhile, Rayner kept the pressure on, making her presence felt heading into T2 as the field vied for podium positions.

Ava Henville continued her dominant performance, blazing through the run course in an impressive 11:33.64 to secure victory with a total time of 42:02.26. Olivia Smith delivered a strong run of her own, holding her position to finish second in 43:57.16. Lucy Henville, who started the race in eighth after the swim, showed incredible determination on the bike and run legs, closing the gap to claim third overall with a time of 44:49.34, just seconds behind Smith. Ella Rayner and Gemma Gorton rounded out the top five with strong performances across all legs.

TOP 3 BY AGE GROUP

Place	Male 14-15	Female 14-15	Male 16-19	Female 16-19
1	Cooper Smeulders	Olivia Smith	Ivan Nagel	Ava Henville
2	Luke Williams	Lucy Henville	Caide Ellis	Gemma Gorton
3	Liam Johnson	Ella Rayner	Lachlan El-Ansary	Megan MacPherson

SPRINT – OPEN

MALES
The race was off to a blistering start as Kurt Wesley (North Coast) powered through the 750m swim, emerging from the water first in 9:43.07. Hot on his heels, Reece Harris (Mandurah) made a swift transition, sprinting up the beach and past the timing mat in an incredible 9:42.86, narrowly edging ahead. This electric start set the tone for what would become a thrilling neck-and-neck battle throughout the race.

Christophe Gardner (non-club), Rhys Williams (North Coast), and Queenslander Kye Wylde were not far behind as they headed into T1 and onto the bike.

With just one second between their transition times, Harris and Wesley blasted onto the 20km bike course together, matching each other’s pace with every pedal. The competition was fierce, with both athletes pushing their limits at breakneck speed. Spectators at the event would agree; the boys were flying.

With only milliseconds between their cycle times—Wesley clocking 29:53.54 and Harris 29:53.72—the race was neck and neck as they set off on the 5km run. It was anyone’s game. For Wesley, this race was deeply personal; after years of chasing the top spot and multiple second-place finishes, he was determined to claim victory. Drawing on that motivation, he delivered an incredible performance on the run to break away and cross the finish line first in 58:37.14. Harris was just steps behind, finishing a remarkable race in second place with a time of 58:54.47.

Gardner surged into third place with an impressive run, crossing the line in 1:00:32.01. Kye Wylde claimed fourth, while Rhys Williams rounded out the top five with a strong finish.

Paralympian David Bryant (Stadium) crossed the line in 6th, taking a moment at the finish to share a hi-five with his wife and kids. Paul Mackay (ADF), Ronan Hays (Mandurah), Tommaso Puccini (UWA), and Joshua Fletcher (Exceed) followed across the line in that order, each finishing this challenging Sprint course strong.

Fastest Splits:
– 750m Swim: Reece Harris – 00:09:42.86
– 20km Bike: Kurt Wesley – 00:29:53.54
– 5km Run: Kye Wylde – 00:16:21.74

FEMALES
Sian Munks (UWA) was a force to be reckoned with in the swim, swimming like a fish and exiting the water to T1 in just 00:10:08.79. Jaz Hedgeland (Fremantle) and Madi Toovey (North Coast) were less than 20 seconds behind, followed by Ella Phelan (Stadium).

Toovey easily made up that 20 second gap on the bike, flying through the course in 00:33:24.51, with Munks now 20 seconds behind her. Hedgeland maintained her third position, with Phelan now three minutes behind the leader heading into T2.

Toovey had a faster transition time and an early lead on the run and legged it out onto the course. It was a nail-biting chase as Munks paced herself to try and outlast Toovey across the 5km course. The two battled fiercely for prime position, with Hedgeland and Phelan also closing in. They were nearly step for step and lap for lap.

In the end, it was Munks’ run prowess that allowed her to claw back the lead and claim the win with a time of 1:05:17.68. Toovey pushed hard but finished just behind in second place with an impressive 1:06:12.56. Jaz Hedgeland delivered a strong performance to cross the line in third at 1:06:37.08, followed by Phelan in fourth – rounding out the Open field.

Fastest Splits:
– 750m Swim: Sian Munks – 00:10:08.79
– 20km Bike: Madison Toovey – 00:33:24.51
– 5km Run: Sian Munks – 00:18:58.50

BRYNT MCSWAIN TROPHY

2024 marked the 10th anniversary of honoring Brynt McSwain, a beloved Triathlon WA member and former State Champion, who tragically passed away in 2014. Each year, the Brynt McSwain Trophy is awarded to the fastest Open Male at the State Sprint Championship. The 2024 winner was Kurt Wesley.

“Be adventurous – take a risk. Be courageous – face your fears. Be strong – never give in. Have faith and believe in yourself. Your life is what you make of it, so make it what you want it to be. Don’t just imagine, create. Don’t just believe, achieve.”

FASTEST AGE GROUP SPLITS

Leg	Male	Female
Swim	Joshua Pedlow – 16-19 00:10:18.24	Emma Moon – 40-44 00:11:59.41
Bike	Bart Hollemans – 50-54 00:30:55.58	Melanie Wade – 35-39 00:35:08.68
Run	Brett Johnson – 40-44 00:18:00.91	Sophia Economo – 25-29 00:20:52.61

2024/25 SPRINT STATE CHAMPIONS – ALL AGE GROUPS

Age Group	Male Winner	Female Winner
Open	Kurt Wesley	Sian Munks
20-24	Andrew Flint	Lily Van Raay
25-29	Darcy Ovens	Sophia Economo
30-34	Jacob Azzarello	Donna Kimpton
35-39	Iain Miller	Melanie Wade
40-44	Brett Johnson	Emma Moon
45-49	Greg Manning	Andrea Hopkin
50-54	Bart Hollemans	Emma Leonard
55-59	Russell Harris	Katherine Ryan
60-64	Darryl Harris	Lise Ashton
65-69	Barry Silverlock	Joy Johnson
70-74	–	Sandy Tindale
75-79	Doug Adams	–

PODIUM GALLERY

Get ready for an action-packed day this Sunday, 8 December, as more than 560 athletes take on the course at Whitford Nodes, Hillarys, for the highly anticipated City of Joondalup Coastal Quest Triathlon! Hosted by XTR Multisports, this exciting event offers something for everyone, with distances including Bolt, Draft Legal, Sprint, Duathlon, Aquabike, and a fun Kids Triathlon.

Coastal Quest Triathlon is also our first State Series race of the season! The Sprint distance event will serve as the Triathlon WA Senior State Sprint Championship, bringing fierce competition to WA coast. For juniors, the Draft Legal Bolt distance is a State Series race for athletes aged 16-19, while it’s the Bolt distance for 12-15 year olds.

Coastal Quest is also a great opportunity for club members to earn valuable points in the Interclub Series, based on both participation and performance.

OPEN ATHLETES – SPRINT PREVIEW

The Open category for the Coastal Quest Triathlon boasts an impressive lineup of local talent.

Two-time Australian Paralympian David Bryant, fresh from his campaign in Paris, brings his elite expertise to the field, making him a standout contender. Hot on his heels are young guns Joshua Fletcher and Ronan Hays, both showcasing impressive skills gained from recent interstate and international racing.

Last season’s runner up, Kurt Wesley, and 2023/24 Open Triathlete of the Year Reece Harris, will be determined to claim gold this year on the fast-paced course. These two were neck and neck for the finish last year, with Wesley outpacing Harris by just 4 seconds in an exciting sprint finish.

Christophe Gardner, who finished 7th in 2023, will be eager to improve on his performance and secure a podium spot. Also lining up in the Open category are seasoned athletes James Lewin, Paul Mackay, Tommaso Puccini, and Rhys Williams, all strong contenders heading into the race.

The Open Female field promises an exciting race, featuring standout talents. Sian Munks, who secured second place last season, will look to build on her strong performance, while Ella Phelan, last year’s fourth-place finisher, will be eager to clinch a podium.

Returning from the Eastern States, WA-born Jaz Hedgeland brings a wealth of experience and is a strong contender for the title. Meanwhile, Madison Toovey, recently stepping up to the Open category, is poised to make her mark and is definitely one to watch.

The stage is set for a thrilling showdown as these incredible athletes go head-to-head! It’s anyone’s race!

JUNIOR ATHLETES – DRAFT LEGAL

Team WA and our Pathway program are well represented, with more than 40 Juniors aged 14-19 going head-to-head on the Draft Legal Bolt course.

BRYNT MCSWAIN TROPHY

2024 marks the 10th anniversary of honoring Brynt McSwain, a beloved Triathlon WA member and former State Champion, who tragically passed away in 2014. Each year, the Brynt McSwain Trophy is awarded to the fastest Open Male at the State Sprint Championship.

We are privileged to have Brynt’s mother, Snow, presenting the award, along with her sons, Tych and Clayt McSwain, marking the 10th year of remembering Brynt’s legacy.

GOOD LUCK

Good luck to everyone racing! Give it your best effort, enjoy the challenge, and most importantly, have fun. See you at the finish line!

Triathlon Western Australia is seeking nominations from interested and suitably qualified individuals to fill three (3) Elected Board Positions commencing in October 2024 (following the TWA AGM).

To ensure that the Board has the right balance of skills to effectively lead the organisation into the future, TWA is seeking nominations from individuals with a range of qualifications, skills and experience, as outlined in the nomination form. It is also desirable for the Board to encompass diversity in aspects such as gender, age, background and perspective. All interested persons are encouraged to apply

Nominations for the position of Elected Board Member need to be;

• In writing, on the attached nomination form with supporting documentation, and
• Delivered (in person or electronically) to Executive Director of Triathlon WA at the address below, before 5pm Wednesday, 25 September 2024.

By email to:
Mel Farley, Executive Director
Email: mel.farley@wa.triathlon.org.au

Once nominations close, all candidates will be reviewed by the Nominations Committee. Should more nominations be received than positions available, elections will be held. If required, the voting process will be outlined in full when AGM papers are distributed.

For more information, please contact Mel Farley Executive Director of Triathlon WA on 08 9443 9778, mobile phone 0497 213 620, or email mel.farley@wa.triathlon.org.au.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND/OR EXPERIENCE

The TWA Board is calling for nominations from candidates who have demonstrated experience in the skill sets listed below. We are seeking suitably qualified candidates with any of the following skill sets;

Skill Set A: Marketing and Sponsorship

Experience or skills include but not limited to;

• Marketing and Brand Strategy
• Digital Media Experience
• Sponsorship Acquisition

Skill Set B: Stakeholder/Media Engagement

Experience or skills include but not limited to;

• Political Relations
• Government Relationship/Engagement
• Member/Customer Engagement
• Media Connections

Skill Set C: Business and Commercial Management

Experience or skills include but not limited to;

• Legal Acumen
• Negotiating/Contract Management
• Dispute resolution/mediation
• Financial Acumen – financial processes, Not-for-Profit financial management, interpreting reports
• Change Management

Other Desirable Skills

In addition to the above, Board Members should have experience within;

• Strategic Planning,
• Governance,
• Risk Management and
• Financial Management

Interested candidates are required to demonstrate experience in EITHER Skill Set A or B or C. Additional skills listed above are highly desirable.