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On Sunday, 26 May 2024, the 2023/24 Triathlon WA Annual Awards were held at Rendezvous Hotel on the Scarborough Foreshore. We welcomed 130 athletes, supporters, staff, partners and friends to the Mentelle Room overlooking the ocean for a special breakfast to celebrate the season!

Triathlon WA would like to congratulate the below award winners on their achievements and contributions in the 2023/24 season. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2024/25 for another fantastic year of racing.

Life Membership Awards

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. We are recognising TWO new Life Members this season.

VICKI DELVES – LIFE MEMBER

Vicki’s dedication to triathlon has endured since 1993 when she became a founding member of City Triathlon Club. Over the years, she served as head coach, TRYstars program coordinator, and club President.

Her impact extends beyond the club, notably with the Women’s Triathlon Academy, which she founded in 1997. This initiative, now in its 27th year, fosters inclusivity for women in triathlon. Vicki’s contributions also include volunteering for Women in Sport initiatives, leading women’s cycling sessions, and supporting events like the Weetbix Triathlon and Women’s Triathlon. Additionally, she dedicated her time as lead escort rider at Busselton for 5 years, marshal at School Sport WA events, and served on the School Sport WA board. Vicki’s legacy of service has left an indelible mark on the triathlon community

DAVID BUDGE – LIFE MEMBER

For over two decades, Dave has been at the forefront of triathlon innovation in Western Australia, shaping the sport into what it is today. As Race Director for over 200 triathlons, including 50+ State, National, and World Championship events, he has ensured quality and inclusivity for all participants.

Dave’s pioneering spirit was evident in managing the first multisport event, the Coca Cola Aquathlon Series, and his pivotal role in establishing triathlon in Busselton, which became home to one of the world’s largest Half Ironman races. His contributions have made a lasting impact, cementing the “Busso Half” as an iconic sporting event in WA’s landscape. The sport and the races on offer would not be where they are today without Dave’s years of hard work.

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 – Trevor Forward
15 Years – John Janssen
15 Years – Chris Limb

We also presented a very special certificate of thanks to Chris Limb as he retires from officiating after this season. Chris is a remarkable individual whose dedication and reliability as an official is truly commendable. Chris is not only diligent in his duties but also embodies fairness and thoughtfulness in every decision he makes. An all-rounder with remarkable adaptability, Chris has taken on nearly every officiating role on the field. A shining example of his commitment occurred when he couldn’t race at Busselton on the day; and instead of stepping back, he chose to volunteer and support the technical team, selflessly giving up his time to help others. A long-time member of the North Coast Triathlon Club, Chris is also a Long Course Legend, having completed an impressive 23 Long Course events as an athlete. Thank you Chris.

Service to Sport

The Service to Sport Award is intended to recognise individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to the sport of triathlon at a state, club, event, or other association level.

The recipients of the 2023/24 Service to Sport Award were Kate Bevilaqua and Guy Crawford.

For over a decade, Kate and Guy have served as athletes, coaches, mentors, ambassadors, and commentators, inspiring others with their leadership and achievements. Through their careers, coaching and volunteer work, they have contributed greatly to nurturing the next generation of triathletes.

Kate and Guy have consistently shown their commitment to supporting Triathlon WA and the growth of our community through regional school coaching programs, coach development initiatives, mentoring Pathway Program athletes, assisting with initiatives like the Lightning League, volunteering, and active participation in local events. Both Kate and Guy have had illustrious careers as professional athletes and continue to represent WA on the world stage – forging international connections and promoting the sport with integrity and pride. Guy also recently earned the title of Long Course Legend, having just completed his 15^th Long Course event in Busselton. This duo’s dedication and passion for our sport have made a lasting impact on the triathlon community.

Community Coach of the Year Award

The Community Coach of the Year Award, now in its fourth year, honours those who do outstanding work in coaching non-elite, age group, or junior triathletes. Winners of this award demonstrate outstanding engagement, integrity, community spirit, and commitment to growing the sport of Triathlon in Western Australia.

The recipient of the Community Coach of the Year award for 2023/24 was Brad Kaye.

Brad has been a powerhouse in the triathlon community for many years, and regularly coaches swim sessions for North Coast Triathlon Club as well as helping with their Men in Triathlon program. Brad is also a coach for the GK Endurance squad, supporting the cycle sessions for GK Juniors and filling in for other coaches as needed. This season, Brad has played a crucial role in supporting the WA Team and TWA pathway program, mentoring our juniors and contributing to new initiatives.

Coach of the Year Award

The Coach of the Year Award recognises individuals who have coached WA athletes (Age Group or Elite) to one or more outstanding achievements in the preceding twelve months.

The recipient of the Coach of the Year for 2023/24 was Stuart Durham.

Stuart’s genuine passion for the sport and unwavering commitment to his athletes have led to remarkable achievements. Under his guidance, WA athletes have secured back-to-back state titles, podium finishes in 70.3 events, and even claimed the #1 World Ranking in Duathlon. Stuart’s inclusive coaching philosophy ensures personalised attention for every athlete, regardless of their level. His positive and supportive squad environment has made a significant impact on training experiences.

Beyond individual successes, Stuart has guided age group athletes to prestigious championships, with his juniors and age groupers consistently excelling at local triathlons. Stuart Durham’s dedication and inspiring guidance make him a deserving recipient of the Triathlon WA Coach of the Year award.

Steve Barrie Technical Official of the Year

The Technical Official of the Year Award, established in 2000, was renamed in 2007 to honor TWA Life Member Steve Barrie for his significant contributions to our sport. Presented annually, this award recognises the outstanding service and dedication of a Technical Official.

The recipient of the 2023/24 Steve Barrie Award was Jeffrey Dick.

In four years as a member of the Australian Technical Officiating Program, Jeff has been exceptionally active and dedicated, assisting at 10 events this season alone, including both the National School and State School Championships, which span two days each. This year, Jeff also took on the significant role of Technical Director for the Busselton Foreshore Triathlon, demonstrating his leadership and commitment to the sport. As a proud member of the Busselton Triathlon Club, Jeff has proven to be an invaluable asset to our community.

Chris Hewitt Memorial Award (President’s Trophy)

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 this award was Bill Lakic, from North Coast Triathlon Club.

Bill has played a pivotal role in expanding grassroots initiatives and strengthening his club’s relationships with the local community. He actively engages with the local government and other sporting bodies, constantly exploring innovative ideas to promote the sport and lifestyle. His enthusiasm for triathlon, club camaraderie, and community values is infectious. He maintains open communication with Triathlon WA staff, providing valuable feedback and ideas for program enhancements.

Bill started as the merchandise manager for the North Coast Triathlon Club committee, but nine months ago, he stepped up to the role of programs coordinator when needed. He has successfully managed and grown several key courses, including the Women in Triathlon Course, Men in Triathlon Course, Trystars, and Trystars Next. Organised and proactive, Bill has already scheduled the club’s programs for the next season, secured venues, and liaised with key stakeholders. He takes initiative, ensuring tasks are completed promptly and efficiently for the benefit of the NCTC committee and the wider community

Individual Performance of the Year – Male

The Individual Performance of the Year Award is intended to recognise the most outstanding performances or one-off performance of West Australian athletes in the preceding twelve months including WA athletes racing World Triathlon events.

In his debut year as a professional athlete, our 2023/24 winner Nick Thompson has captured the attention of the entire country with his racing prowess, and is a worthy recipient of this award.

Nick started the season by winning the Ironman 70.3 Sunshine Coast in September 2023, crossing the finish line over a minute ahead of his competitors with a total time of 3:40:02. At the finish line, Nick was quoted as saying “Days like these make the effort worthwhile.”

Next, he conquered IRONMAN Western Australia in December 2023, finishing third with an impressive time of 7:48:23 against a very competitive field. In February 2024, he secured victory at Ironman 70.3 Tasmania, facing tough competition from Olympic Silver Medalist Javier Gomez and World Championship Podium finisher Braden Currie.

To top it off, he smashed the course record and clinched the victory at the 2024 Busselton 100, crossing the finish line in an astonishing time of 3:15:32 – just six days after competing in Ironman Texas! These outstanding performances showcase his talent, determination, and resilience.

Individual Performance of the Year – Female

Triathlon WA is delighted to announce that Sally Pilbeam has been awarded the Individual Performance of the Year Award – Female for the 2023/2024.

We sincerely apologise that this award was not presented at the TWA Annual Awards event. The delay in presentation was due to an unacceptable oversight in the implementation of the Awards Policy. TWA accept full responsibility for this oversight, and are committed to recognising and honouring Sally’s achievements in our sport for the 23/24 season.

Among various key results in the 23/24 season, Sally most notably achieved a bronze medal in the PTS4 category at the 2023 Paratriathlon World Championship in Pontevedra, Spain. Her remarkable accomplishments have placed her 3rd in the Paratriathlon World Rankings. Sally’s other extraordinary achievements in the 2023/2024 season include:

• 3rd Place – 2023 World Triathlon Para Championships Pontevedra (SPN)
• 2nd Place – 2024 Oceania Triathlon Para Championships Stockton (NSW)
• 4th Place – 2024 World Triathlon Para Series Yokohama (JPN)

Sally’s unwavering commitment, tireless training, and competitive spirit have distinguished her as one of the top athletes in the local, national and international triathlon community.

TWA acknowledges the importance of accurately recognising the achievements of all of our WA athletes and is committed to maintaining the integrity and fairness of our awards process. We are conducting a thorough review of our policies and procedures and will implement necessary changes to improve our awards system for the coming season.

AWARD 7: Development Athlete of the Year

This award is for outstanding commitment, improvement, and performance throughout the season for an athlete in our Development Program. As well as attendance and attitude at training, commitment to team values and interaction, skills growth and continued improvement.

Our winners for this year were both regular and enthusiastic participants at WA team activities and are always eager to learn and help others. They are both dedicated and determined athletes that work hard on improving their skills and have both had outstanding results locally and nationally this season.

FEMALE WINNER: AVA HENVILLE

Ava is a humble and hard-working young lady who has been consistently strong across all 3 disciplines for many years. Ava won just about every local race she toed the line at this season and placed 4th at the Intermediate School Sport Nationals. Earlier this year she stepped up to race her first Junior national race and showed amazing tenacity to ride solo and run herself into 3rd, which saw her claim 2nd place at the Australian Junior Sprint Championships in Wollongong in April.

MALE WINNER: LUKE WILLIAMS

Luke brings joy and fun in everything he does, always striving to improve as an athlete. This season, he’s achieved outstanding results, including a 2nd place at the Intermediate School Sport Nationals and a 1st place at the Australian Youth SuperSprint Championships.

Champion Club

The Champion Club trophy is awarded annually to the club whose financial members accumulated the most points across the Triathlete of the Year Series. This includes both the Senior and the Junior Series.

The winner of the 2024 Champion Club Award is Mandurah Triathlon Club.

Interclub Series Conference Champions

The Winner of the North Conference is Stadium Triathlon Club.

The Winner of the South Conference is Mandurah Triathlon Club

The Winner of the Regional Conference is Busselton Triathlon Club

The Winner of the 2024 Interclub Overall Champion is Mandurah Triathlon Club

Triathlete of the Year (TOTY) Open Winners

Awards are presented to the top five male and female triathletes in the Open Category based on their performance and participation in the Triathlon WA State Series.

See the final standings here.

PLACE	MALE	FEMALE
1st	Reece Harris	Aleisha Wesley
2nd	Matt Burton	Sian Munks
3rd	Nick Thompson	Madison Toovey (Tie) Indie Arbuckle (Tie)
4th	Ronan Hays	–
5th	Kurt Wesley	Ella Phelan

Triathlete of the Year (TOTY) Age Group Winners

Awards are presented to the three highest point scoring male and female athletes in each age group based on their performance and participation in the Triathlon WA State Series.

See the final standings here.

2023/24 FEMALE TRIATHLETE OF THE YEAR WINNERS

NAME	AGE GROUP	PLACE
Lucy Henville	12-13 yrs	1ST (TIE)
Florence Erskine	12-13 yrs	1ST (TIE)
Ava Rodgers	12-13 yrs	3RD
Ava Henville	14-15 yrs	1ST
Ella Rayner	14-15 yrs	2ND
Isabella Neervoort	14-15 yrs	3RD
Bridie Crew	16-19 yrs	1ST
Amelie Erskine	16-19 yrs	2ND
Kayla Bongers	16-19 yrs	3RD
Cassy Newman	20-24	1ST
Sarah Nisbet	25-29	1ST
Kristan Boyle	25-29	2ND
Jessica Pratley	25-29	3RD
Melanie Wade	30-34	1ST
Brittany Edwards	30-34	2ND
Nicole Alexander	30-34	3RD
Michelle Carranza	35-39	1ST
Alexandra Meek	35-39	2ND (TIE)
Clodagh Glynn	35-39	2ND (TIE)
Christina Ladyman	40-44	1ST
Rebecca Lewis	40-44	2ND
Anna Massey	40-44	3RD
Kate Atkinson	45-49	1ST
Alison Thompson	45-49	2ND
Fiona Yard	45-49	3RD
Emma Leonard	50-54	1ST
Alison Ramm	50-54	2ND
Katherine Ryan	50-54	3RD
Caroline Anderson	55-59	1ST
Lisa Hitchcock	55-59	2ND
Pip Laufmann	55-59	3RD
Lise Ashton	60-64	1ST
Ruth Metcalf	60-64	2ND
Monica Borrill	60-64	3RD
Trish Vickery	65-69	1ST

2023/24 MALE TRIATHLETE OF THE YEAR WINNERS

NAME	AGE GROUP	PLACE
Dean Skroza	12-13 yrs	1ST
Liam Johnson	12-13 yrs	2ND
Brodie Moir	12-13 yrs	3RD
Andrew Newton	14-15 yrs	1ST
Luke Williams	14-15 yrs	2ND
Brodie Wilkinson	14-15 yrs	3RD
Will Cramsie	16-19 yrs	1ST
Ivan Nagel	16-19 yrs	2ND
Connor Fraser	16-19 yrs	3RD
Daniel Buis	20-24	1ST
Devlin Chiffings	20-24	2ND
Oliver Terry	20-24	3RD (TIE)
Jaxon Bilchuris	20-24	3RD (TIE)
Damien McAleese	25-29	1ST
Chad McKay	25-29	2ND
Aidan Clark	25-29	3RD
Jarrad Bowen	30-34	1ST
Chris Williams	30-34	2ND
Iain Miller	35-39	1ST
Duncan Kinnear	35-39	2ND
Jarryd Heldt	35-39	3RD
Brett Johnson	40-44	1ST
Philipp Albert	40-44	2ND
Phil Corrick	40-44	3RD
Danny Cobb	45-49	1ST
Matt Genevieve	45-49	2ND
Marcus Rooney	45-49	3RD
Russell Harris	50-54	1ST
Bart Hollemans	50-54	2ND
Jason Bonser	50-54	3RD
Matt McKay	55-59	1ST
Phil Monks	55-59	2ND
Phillip Hays	55-59	3RD
Andrew Johns	60-64	1ST
Darryl Harris	60-64	2ND
Dale Wesley	60-64	3RD
Barry Silverlock	65-69	1ST
Richard Burnell	65-69	2ND
David Whiteley	70-74	1ST
Malcolm Wilcox	70-74	2ND

The City of Joondalup Coastal Quest Triathlon is set to take place on Sunday 17 December 2023. Nestled amid the scenic beauty of Hillarys, Whitford Nodes sets the stage for an exhilarating State Sprint Championship event.

The weather is forecast to be a balmy 29 degrees celcius with not a drop of rain in sight. A predicted south-easterly wind will shake things up for athletes on the bike and run, adding to the challenge of the day.

The fun kicks off bright and early with the Tinlids (kids race), followed by the main events including Sprint, Bolt, Duathlon and AquaBike. Also on offer is the ‘BIG EASY’ wave for those athletes that want to cruise through having completed a long course Ironman, 70.3 or similar in the weeks before.

This championship attracts a diverse range of participants, from seasoned senior athletes to young and talented junior representatives. Expect fierce competition and an electric atmosphere as participants vie for victory in their respective categories.

OPEN MALES:
2022 saw an impressive victory by Matt Burton (Oceanic) on this challenging course. Matt, fuelled by the taste of recent triumph, is back on the starting line this time round and eager to grab the Championship title.

Keep an eye on young-gun Reece Harris (Mandurah), who secured a commendable 4th place in 2022/23 and is on a hot streak this season. Don’t forget Kurt Wesley (North Coast), who is determined to seize the Sprint Champ title that eluded him by seconds at the Foreshore Tri.

Joining the competition is Paralympian David Bryant, fresh off an Australian Team training camp in Canberra. We’ll also see some great performances from the likes of Ronan Hays, Rowan Kerr, and Christophe Gardener. It’s sure to be a fierce competition in the Open Male field!

OPEN FEMALES:
Sian Munks, the 2022/23 State Sprint Champion, is geared up to defend her title against a very strong field. Munks will get a run for her money from Aleisha Wesley (North Coast), who narrowly missed out on the title last season and is on a mission for redemption.

Madison Toovey, who secured 4th place last year, brings her IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships qualification momentum into the sprint event. Watch out for Indie Arbuckle, a stalwart of the WA State team, consistently showcasing her prowess over sprint distances.

Ella Phelan, crowned the 2022/2023 Age Group Triathlete of the Year, dominated the State Standard Distance race at Tiger Snake and is now making her mark in the open category after a successful stint at the Melbourne 70.3 last month. Anticipate a stellar performance as Ella continues to shine on the triathlon stage!

AGE GROUP ATHLETES:

In the 20-24 category, keep an eye on Jaxon Bilchuris, Andrew Flint, and Carolyn Wallace. Chad McKay and Steven Pocock, who excelled on this course last season, are stepping up to the 25-29 age group. Notable contenders in this category include defending sprint champion Aidan Clark, Jack Mcleay (second at the Rockingham Foreshore Tri last season), and Damien McAleese (impressive performance at Tiger Snake in October).

The 30-34 age group features strong competitors like Jarrad Bowen, Eddie Oldroyd, and Donna Kimpton. Joao Carlos Bernardes Neto and Iain Miller from the 35-39 age group showcased strong performances last season, and the 35-39 female category boasts a formidable lineup with athletes like Michelle Carranza, Renee Blackstock, Floora De Wit, Anna-Lee Martinovich, and Louise Whitehouse.

In the 40-44 category, watch out for contenders such as Christina Ladyman, Kate Burton, Anna Massey, and Carrie-Anne Cairns among the women, and Phil Corrick, Cameron Sobejko, and Daniel Wedge among the men.

Peter Brozicevich aims for the 45-49 Male state title after securing second place at the Foreshore Tri last season and first at Coastal Quest in 2022. The 45-49 category also includes strong contenders like Matt Genevieve, Chad Marriott, Marcus Rooney, and Julian Gibbings. Paratriathlon legend Sally Pilbeam faces tough competition from Kate Atkinson and Alison Thompson in her age group.

In the Female 50-54 category, experienced triathletes Katherine Ryan, Kate Baxter, Emma Leonard, Simone Roach, and Christine Golder will compete. The Male 50-54 category features a competitive field with athletes like Bart Hollemans, Russell Harris, Russ Harper, David Cowlishaw, Chris Hanrahan, Paul Burton, and Craig Appleby.

Lisa Hitchcock, Jane Hardy, Liz Sheehan, and Pip Laufman are ones to watch in the 55-59 women’s category. The 55-59 men’s field is equally competitive, with athletes like Lucky Phil Monks, Bruce Barrington, Martin Depiazzi, Matt McKay, Phillip Hays, Paul Thompson, Bill Lakic, and Jon Esslemont.

On a remarkable comeback streak, Dale Wesley competes against experienced athletes Darryl Harris, Andy Johns, and Phillip O’Neill. In the 60-64 female category, keep an eye on Lise Ashton, Ruth Metcalf, and Gillian Walsh.

Trish Vickery is the sole female contender in the 65-69 category, while Richard Burnell, John Hook, and Barry Silverlock are set to take the men’s start line. Malcolm Wilcox and David Whitely will represent the 70-74 age group.

Best of luck to all athletes!

Triathlon Western Australia is seeking nominations from interested and suitably qualified individuals to fill two (2) Board Positions commencing in October 2023 (following the TWA AGM on Saturday, 21 October 2023).

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 – Elected Board Member, including:
  • Signed by two current TWA members;Complete all sections; and
  • Attach the candidates CV.
• Delivered via email to Olivia Birkett, Executive Director of Triathlon WA, at the address below, before 5:00pm Friday, 29 September 2023.

By email to:
Olivia Birkett, Executive Director
Email: olivia.birkett@wa.triathlon.org.au

For more information, please contact Olivia Birkett Executive Director, TWA on 08 9443 9778, mobile phone 0404 833 134 or email olivia.birkett@wa.triathlon.org.au.

CANDIDATE SKILL REQUIREMENTS

Skill Set A: 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

Skill Set B: Human Resources / People and Culture

Experience or skills include but not limited to;

• Experience or skills include but not limited to;
• HR Policy development
• Best practice HR management systems
• Workplace Health and Safety
• Executive Coaching/Mentoring

Skill Set C: Information Technology (IT)

Experience or skills include but not limited to;

• IT systems/Digital technology
• Communications systems
• Knowledge/data management
• Sport technology
• Cyber security

Skill Set D: Legal
Experience or skills include but not limited to;

• Legal Acumen
• Negotiating/Contract Management
• Dispute resolution/mediation

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 or D. Additional skills listed above are highly desirable.

The Lightning League is a a draft legal race series designed specifically for our Triathlon WA Pathway Program athletes to help build and develop race intelligence, tactical awareness and provide different challenges and stressors than they may normally encounter in standard draft legal racing.

The Lightning League is proudly supported by Carnac.

HOW IT WORKS

There will be three teams: Hurricanes, Cyclones and Tornadoes. WA State Team Athletes will be classified in terms of age and skill development level, and divided fairly amongst the three teams to create a balance of gender, age and ability. Each team will wear a different colour and are racing for points toward their team total. Finishing position determines point score.

Each team will have a dedicated Coach to support and guide them.

Older more experienced athletes who already race Open (i.e. athletes outside of the Pathway Program) will be given the role of Ambassadors, and offer support, mentorship, and race feedback. Ambassadors will also provide race pressure and competition for the U/23 and more developed juniors.

Youth, Junior, and U23 Athletes WA Team will all be racing at the same time regardless of age or gender. There will be a handicap system in place based on a combination of age and race confidence, which will see older and more experienced athletes racing slightly longer distances to create an exciting and dynamic racing outcome.

There are 3 races in the series in total, all at run at Champion Lakes Regatta Centre. There will be an Equalizer format on 21 October 2023 (SBRSBR), a Triple mix on 18 November 2023 (SBR-RBS-RSB) and mixed relays on 9 December 2023 (SBR-tag-SBR). Each race will have a team winner, and a series-winning team will be crowned at the conclusion of race 3.

We sincerely thank Carnac for their support of this initiative, and hope that Lightning League participants will enjoy the process, have fun, and learn important race skills that help them develop in the sport.

On Saturday, 27 May 2023, the 2022/23 Triathlon WA Annual Awards were held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront. We welcomed 160 athletes, supporters, staff, partners and friends to the Waterside room to celebrate the season in style!

View the gallery of photos here: https://patrickboerephotography.pixieset.com/triathlonwaawards/

Triathlon WA would like to congratulate the below award winners on their achievements and contributions in the 2022/23 season. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2023/24 for another fantastic year of racing.

Community Coach of the Year Award

The Community Coach of the Year Award, now in its second year, aims to honour those who do outstanding work in coaching non-elite age group or junior triathletes. Winners of this award demonstrate outstanding engagement, integrity, community spirit and commitment to growing the sport of Triathlon in Western Australia.

The 2023 Community Coach of the Year Award was presented to Phoenix Tri Club’s Emma Moon!

Emma has been coaching triathletes of all ages and abilities for 5 years and is known for her infectious enthusiasm and incredible passion for the sport. She delivers group sessions across all disciplines working with beginners to experienced Ironman athletes. She holds a volunteer coaching position with School Sport WA, and is also a coach for the Guildford Grammar School Triathlon Squad.

Coach of the Year Award

The Coach of the Year Award recognises individuals who have coached WA athletes (Age Group or Elite) to one or more outstanding achievements in the preceding twelve months.

The 2023 Coach of the Year award was presented to UWA Triathlon Club’s Steve Gleeson!

Steve is TA Performance Accredited and has coached many athletes to reach their full potential and represent WA in National and International races. His coaching accolades in the past 12 months include Junior Sprint National Champion, Oceania Continental Para Cup Winner, numerous top ten results in Continental Cups, podiums at local events, and a Junior World Championship qualification.

Steve Barrie Technical Official of the Year

The Technical Official of the Year Award has been acknowledged since 2000. The Award was renamed in 2007 in honour of the late Steve Barrie to recognise his significant contribution to our sport.

This award is presented annually in recognition of the service and dedication of a Technical Official to the sport. Awarded to the Technical Official of the Year on the recommendation of the TWA Technical Reference Panel, 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 five events in the season) and their contribution to the progression of the program throughout the season.

This year, the Steve Barrie Award was presented to Felicity Tyrrell-Prince!

Felicity joined the Technical Program 15 years ago and has been a consistently excellent official. Felicity is based in South West WA, and is always happy to support regional events like IMWA, Karri Valley, Busselton Festival of Triathlon and Bunbury Classic. Felicity is an active member of the local community through animal rescue, and is the only official we have that can remove snakes from the course!

Technical Service Awards

The Technical Official Service Awards are awarded in recognition of a Technical Official who has provided over 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 years of commitment and service to the sport of Triathlon. The sport would not be possible if it wasn’t for our Technical Officials, so we’d like to thank every official within our program. The following milestones were celebrated at the 2023 Awards:

5 years of Service:

• Travis Bentley
• Susan Androvich

10 years of Service:

• Damien D’Antoine
• Steve Norton

15 years of Service:

• Felicity Tyrrell – Prince
• Cathy Hoare

25 years of Service:

• Frank Stapleton
• Warren Milward
• Robyn Scott

Congratulations and thank you for your service to our sport and community your efforts are invaluable and so appreciated.

Service to Sport

The Service to Sport Award is intended to recognise an individual who has demonstrated outstanding service to the sport of triathlon at a state, club, event, or other association level. This years’ Service to Sport Winner is the true meaning of outstanding service, having been a coach since 1996, contributing to the creation of novice programs such as Tri-Mum’s, Kids Triathlon School Holiday Program, as well as junior development programs with the Junior Triathlon Academy, School Gold Program and was the Lead of the Triathlon Excellence Program from 2006 – 2009. This award winner is constantly holding events, coaching age group athletes, and working towards making the sport a community.

The 2022/2023 Service to Sport Award winner was Brian Kempson!

Brian recently had to undergo a quadruple heart bypass and whilst recovering he was still checking in with athletes and creating training plans. His passion for the sport and his athletes is undeniable, and we are so grateful for his service to triathlon in Western Australia over the last 25 plus years!

Individual Performance of the Year – Male & Female

The Individual Performance of the Year Award is intended to recognise the most outstanding performances or one-off performance of West Australian athletes in the preceding twelve months including WA athletes racing World Triathlon events.

MALE WINNER:

This year’s Individual Male Performance of the Year Award winner was Kurt Wesley for his performance at the 2023 Oceania Triathlon Cup Busselton.

Representing Australia on the World Triathlon stage since 2015, with 57 World Triathlon starts and having spent 5 months of 2022 in Europe to gain further racing and training experience, he has certainly been committed to the sport.

The 2023 Oceania Triathlon Cup Busselton was a Super Sprint eliminator format involving 3 races back-to-back, with the bottom 8 from each sprint being eliminated. Kurt won the first heat, before crossing line in 3rd place for the 2nd stage and securing his bronze medal in the final. A standout performance from Kurt.

FEMALE WINNER:

The 2022/ 2023 season has been an excellent one for our Female Individual Performance of the Year award winner. She has had an absolutely stellar run with National wins in the eastern states, and is a standout in terms of junior race results. It’s hard to single out just one performance as her best!

This year’s Individual Female Performance of the Year Award winner was Rhianna Hepburn!

Rhianna is a dedicated and consistent performer, who has had great success this season with the support of her Coach, Steve Gleeson, and the UWA tri club. This season Rhianna has achieved amazing results including:

• 2nd place at the 2023 Oceania Triathlon Junior Championships in Taupo in February and helping Australia to win the Oceania Junior Mixed relay title.
• 1st place and crowned Australian Junior Sprint Champion in Adelaide in April.
• Placed a very impressive 5th in 2023 Oceania Triathlon Cup Busselton in a very strong field of predominantly Elite and U23 competitors.

AWARD 7: Development Athlete of the Year

This award is for outstanding commitment, improvement, and performance throughout the season for an athlete in our Development Program. As well as:

• Attendance and attitude at training
• Commitment to team values and interaction
• Skills growth and continued improvement

The Triathlon WA Development Athlete of the Year Award for 2023 was presented to Ivan Nagel!

Ivan is always willing to assist and encourage others, and displays strong leadership qualities, which was reflected in his selection as captain of the WA School Sport Triathlon Team for two years in a row. He is friendly and positive and goes out of his way to engage and communicate with all members of the pathway team.  He regularly attends Pathway training and education sessions, and has also recorded very strong results across the season, including stepping up to compete in his first Oceania cup race in Busselton in April.

Champion Club

The Champion Club trophy is awarded annually to the club whose financial members accumulated the most points across the Triathlete of the Year Series. This includes both the Senior and the Junior Series.

The winner of the 2023 Champion Club Award is North Coast Triathlon Club.

Interclub Series Conference Champions

• The Winner of the North Conference is North Coast Triathlon Club
• The Winner of the South Conference is Mandurah Triathlon Club
• The Winner of the Regional Conference is Busselton Triathlon Club
• The Winner of the 2023 Interclub Overall Champion is Mandurah Triathlon Club

Triathlete of the Year (TOTY) Open Winners

Awards are presented to the top five male and female triathletes in the TWA Open Category.

View the full final TOTY standings here: https://www.triwa.com.au/triathlete-of-the-year-current-standings/

PLACE	MALE	FEMALE
1st	Zeke Tinley	Aleisha Wesley
2nd	Matt Burton	Rachael Smyth
3rd	Reece Harris	Sian Munks
4th	Nick Thompson	Herlene Yu
5th	James Martin	Felicity Sheedy-Ryan

Triathlete of the Year (TOTY) Age Group Winners

Awards are presented to the three highest point scoring male and female athletes in each age group

View the full final TOTY standings here: https://www.triwa.com.au/triathlete-of-the-year-current-standings/

FEMALE WINNERS

NAME	AGE GROUP	PLACE
Ava Rodgers	12-13 yrs	1ST
Lucy Henville	12-13 yrs	2ND
Isabella Neervoort	12-13 yrs	3RD
Ava Henville	14-15 yrs	1ST
Billie Mincham	14-15 yrs	2ND
Rebecca Puccini	14-15 yrs	3RD
Erin Driscoll	16-19 yrs	1ST
Bridie Crew	16-19 yrs	2ND
Kayla Bongers	16-19 yrs	3RD
Ella Phelan	20-24	1ST
Abbie Crew	20-24	2ND
Carolyn Wallace	20-24	3RD
Sarah Nisbet	25-29	1ST
Amie Thompson	25-29	2ND
Abigail Bygrave	25-29	3RD
Melanie Wade	30-34	1ST
Victoria Gill	30-34	2ND
Janne Liebmann	30-34	3RD
Emma Moon	35-39	1ST
Camilla Swenson	35-39	2ND
Naomi Bath	35-39	3RD
Rebecca Lewis	40-44	1ST
Nichole Pursell	40-44	2ND
Christina Ladyman	40-44	3RD
Kate Atkinson	45-49	1ST
Alison Thompson	45-49	2ND
Andrea Hopkin	45-49	3RD
Nikki Pursell	50-54	1ST
Susan Beattie	50-54	2ND
Lisa Hitchcock	50-54	3RD
Jane Hardy	55-59	1ST
Pip Laufmann	55-59	2ND
Sue Scott	55-59	3RD
Lise Ashton	60-64	1ST
Trish Vickery	60-64	2ND
June Ward	60-64	3RD
Vicki Kelly	65-69	1ST
Virginia Westwood	65-69	2ND (tie)
Audrey Hull	65-69	2ND (tie)
Pamela Williams	70-74	1ST
Anne Blatchford	70-74	2ND

MALE WINNERS

NAME	AGE GROUP	PLACE
Luke Williams	12-13 yrs	1ST
Cooper Smeulders	12-13 yrs	2ND
Brodie Wilkinson	12-13 yrs	3RD
Will Cramsie	14-15 yrs	1ST
Connor Fraser	14-15 yrs	2ND
Thor Sultana	14-15 yrs	3RD
Joshua Fletcher	16-19 yrs	1ST
Ivan Nagel	16-19 yrs	2ND
Christophe Gardner	16-19 yrs	3RD
Michael Orton	20-24	1ST
Jaxon Bilchuris	20-24	2ND
Chad Mckay	20-24	3RD
Aidan Clark	25-29	1ST
Min Gao	25-29	2ND
Lachie Tweedie	25-29	3RD
Rhys Williams	30-34	1ST
Claude Morris	30-34	2ND
James O’Neill	30-34	3RD
Joao Carlos Bernardes Neto	35-39	1ST
Philipp Albert	35-39	2ND
Zach Clark	35-39	3RD (tie)
Iain Miller	35-39	3RD (tie)
Andrew Malatios	40-44	1ST
Daniel Wedge	40-44	2ND
Mark Oakshott	40-44	3RD
Barry Williamson	45-49	1ST
Peter Brozicevich	45-49	2ND
Matt Genevieve	45-49	3RD
Russell Harris	50-54	1ST
Matt McKay	50-54	2ND
Jason Bonser	50-54	3RD
Andrew Johns	55-59	1ST
Lucky Phil Monks	55-59	2ND
Phillip Hays	55-59	3RD
Darryl Harris	60-64	1ST
Barry Silverlock	60-64	2ND
Geoff Large	60-64	3RD
Richard Burnell	65-69	1ST
John Hook	65-69	2ND
Edmund Kerr	65-69	3RD
David Whiteley	70-74	1ST
Geoffrey Grose	70-74	2ND
Dave Scott	75-79	1ST

The award of Life Membership is the highest honour Triathlon WA can bestow on an individual and is awarded in recognition of those who have made an outstanding contribution to the existence or effectiveness of the association during their membership. No more than two Life Memberships will be awarded on an annual basis.

CRITERIA

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

Decisions will be made on the basis of:

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

Triathlon WA is calling for nominations for Life Membership. Nominations close 11:59pm on Sunday 7 May 2023.

The TWA Life Membership Policy can be found here.

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

As the sun rose over Rockingham Foreshore on Sunday 5 February 2023, more than 600 athletes were getting ready to compete in the Rockingham Foreshore Triathlon; a State Series event and the State Sprint Championship for the 2022/23 season.

A light spatter of rain and some sea breeze kept things cool for pack pickup and bike racking but the misty morning weather didn’t last long, with blue skies and sunshine setting the tone for a fantastic day of racing.

Races held on the day include the Scody Draft Legal Sprint, Fremantle Ports Sprint, Fremantle Ports Enticer and SunSmart Kids Triathlon.

Scody Draft Legal Sprint

Rockingham locals and event spectators alike were treated to an exhilarating and fast-paced Sprint race (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run) featuring the crème de la crème of WA triathlon. People lined the course to cheer the 16-19 Juniors and Open athletes on, with some spectators even watching the cycle from balconies above the street!

Afternoon sun beat down on the sand and asphalt as our Draft Legal athletes zoomed around the course, giving 110% in the afternoon heat.

The Open Male field was extremely strong, and featured some of WA’s fastest and best male triathletes. In a nail biting sprint to the finish, returning Champion Zeke Tinley (Bunbury) claimed the crown for a second time, crossing the line in a sub-1 hour time of 00:59:14.69 – a second ahead of second place winner Kurt Wesley (North Coast, 00:59:15.34)! The two were neck and neck the entire race, both putting on extremely strong performances throughout the swim, bike and run. Fremantle athlete James Kjellgren-Lewis (01:00:48.60) was less than a minute behind Wesley to claim third, proving he can well and truly hold his own in the Open field.

Guy Crawford (Fremantle), Paul McKay (ADF), Reece Harris (Mandurah), Shayne Dimmer (Rockingham) and Rowan Kerr (XTR) rounded out the finishers, with James Martin (Mandurah) and Sam Mileham (Fremantle) unfortunately receiving a DSQ.

In the Open Female field UWA athlete Sian Munks completed the race in a time of just 01:05:40.91 – running through the finish tape to claim the title of 2022/23 State Sprint Champion! Current TOTY Champion Aleisha Wesley (North Coast) was just three seconds behind Munks to claim second (01:05:43.49), followed by Rhianna Hepburn (UWA) in third place with a time of 01:09:36.33.

Madison Toovey (North Coast), Herlene Yu (Fremantle) and Regine Goh (UWA) finished in fourth, fifth and sixth place respectively.

Our 16-19 Juniors also put on a phenomenal show, more than keeping up with the older athletes. In the 16-19 Male category Bunbury young-gun Christophe Gardner took home the State Title crossing the line in a blistering 01:02:12.72. Ivan Nagel (EFS) was just 2 seconds behind in second, and Joshua Fletcher (Exceed) another two seconds behind in third. The 16-19 Female field, although small, was still extremely competitive. North Coast Tri club teammates Erin Driscoll and Bridie Crew finished just 5 seconds apart to claim first and second place.

Fremantle Ports Sprint

Our Age Group athletes shone in the Fremantle Ports Sprint, taking on the challenge of a 750m swim, 18km cycle, and 5km run along the stunning Rockingham Foreshore.

James Lewin (Stadium), Brett Johnson (Perth), Joao Carlos Bernardes Neto (non-club), Mark Oakshott (non-club), Rhys Williams (North Coast) and Andrew Malatios (North Coast) all completed the course in less than 1 hour – an absolutely stellar achievement!

It was a fierce competition in the 20-24 Male field too, with the top three, Michael Orton (01:00:41, Fremantle), Jaxon Bilchuris (01:01:07, North Coast) and Chad McKay (01:02:14, Mandurah), all crossing the finish line within a consecutive minute of one another. An excellent race!

The 45-49 Female top three, Alison Thompson (Exceed), Kate Atkinson (Stadium) and Andrea Hopkin (Fremantle), also finished within consecutive minutes of each other.

In the 60-64 Male category, top two Darryl Harris (Mandurah) and Barry Silverlock (North Coast) finished less than 30 seconds apart! It was an awesome display of racing talent and passion for the sport across the board.

View the full results here.

Fremantle Ports Enticer

This distance was a State Series race for our 12-13 and 14-15 Juniors, plus a fantastic event for beginners of all ages.

In the 12-13 Male field, North Coast junior Luke Williams absolutely smashed it – beating second place Cooper Smeulders (Fremantle) to the finish line by nearly three minutes. EFS junior Brodie Wilkinson placed third, less than a minute behind Smeulders.

Fremantle juniors Ava Rodgers and Isabella Neervoort raced hard for first place in the 12-13 Female field with Rodgers getting the lead on the final stretch, crossing the line just seconds ahead of Neervoort. Lily Suckling (non-club) placed third.

The 14-15 Male field was equally competitive with Connor Fraser (Bunbury), Will Cramsie (North Coast) and Thor Sultana (North Coast) all crossing the line within a minute of one another to claim first, second and third spot respectively.

Ava Henville (Exceed) took out the top spot for the 14-15 Females, followed by Rebecca Puccini (UWA) in second and Megan McPherson (North Coast) in third. Fantastic results!

View the full results here.

With thanks to our Event Sponsors:

• City of Rockingham
• Fremantle Ports
• Tourism Rockingham
• Scody Australia
• Quest Apartment Hotel Rockingham
• The Beach Rock IGA, and
• Keep on Running

Thank you also to our Expo Retailers:

• PA Sports and Leisure
• Total Recovery
• Koda Nutrition

Bring your sun protection and filled water bottles folks! It’ll be a scorching 30+ degrees Celsius this Sunday 5 February 2023 for the Rockingham Foreshore Triathlon; a State Series race and our State Sprint Championships for the 2022/23 season. But it’s not just the sunshine creating the heat down at Bell Park; there’s an INCREDIBLE lineup of athletes set to hit the course.

More than 600 athletes, from beginners to elite, will be taking on the challenge. In 2023, the Rockingham Foreshore Triathlon will see the Fremantle Ports Enticer, Fremantle Ports Sprint, and SunSmart Kids Triathlon take place, rounded out by our Scody Draft Legal Sprint.

Scody Draft Legal Sprint

The field for the Scody Draft Legal Sprint is epic, with 18 Open athletes and 15 of our 16-19 Juniors putting the pedal to the metal. It’ll be a race to stick around for!

The Open field includes current TOTY Champs and 2022 Foreshore Tri winners Aleisha Wesley (North Coast) and Zeke Tinley (Bunbury), plus young-guns Kurt Wesley (North Coast), Reece Harris (Mandurah), James Kjellgren-Lewis (Fremantle), Sam Mileham (Fremantle), Rowan Kerr (XTR), Rhianna Hepburn (UWA) , Herlene Yu (Fremantle), Sian Munks (UWA), Indie Arbuckle (XTR) and Madi Toovey (North Coast). Some of WA’s best including Guy Crawford (Fremantle), James Martin (Mandurah) and Paul McKay (ADF) are also vying for the top spot.

They’ll be competing with some of our top 16-19 Juniors too, including lightning fast athletes Josh Neervoort (Fremantle), Josh Fletcher (Exceed), Ivan Nagel (EFS), Jett Sultana (North Coast), Daniel Stewart (EFS), Daniel Buis (North Coast), Josh Pedlow (Exceed), Connor Richards (North Coast), Eric Aspeling (Mandurah), Jacob Palmer (Exceed), Ryan McPherson (North Coast), Erin Driscoll (North Coast), Christophe Gardner (Bunbury), Will Holden (North Coast), and Bridie Crew (North Coast).

Fremantle Ports Sprint

The Age Group field is also extremely strong with some pretty quick TOTY contenders racing for the State Crown. We’ll have almost the entire current 20-24 TOTY list racing for points, including Ella Phelan (Stadium), Lauren Nash (XTR), Jaxon Bilchuris (North Coast), Chad McKay (Mandurah) and Freo clubmates Michael Orton and Andrew Flint. It’ll be neck and neck at the finish line!

We’ll also have 2021/22 Season TOTY Age Group winners including Melanie Wade (Stadium), Emma Moon (Phoenix), Andrew Malatios (North Coast), Rebecca Lewis (Exceed), Bart Hollemans (Oceanic), Matt McKay (Mandurah), Emma Leonard (North Coast), Lucky Phil Monks (North Coast), Barry Silverlock (North Coast), Trish Vickery (Busselton) and Jenny Owen (EFS) taking on the course – so we’re in for some awesome racing across the board!

The Brynt McSwain Trophy

Continuing a long standing tradition, the Brynt McSwain Trophy will once again be awarded to the fastest male triathlete at the Triathlon WA State Sprint Championships. Past winners include the likes of Ryan Bailie, Luke Bate, and Jonney Sammut.

Brynt McSwain was a Triathlon WA member and previous State Champion who tragically lost his life in 2014. The trophy named in his honour will be presented at the Rockingham Foreshore Triathlon by Brynt’s mother Snow, and proudly displayed year-round at Churchill Cycles in Booragoon where Brynt worked.

Slip Slop Slap, Seek, Slide & Stay Hydrated!

It’s going to be HOT this Sunday, so please make sure you’re being SunSmart as much as possible, drinking plenty of water and keeping yourself cool. The UV will be high, so wear your sunglasses, hat, long sleeved shirt and sunscreen wherever possible. Seek shade where you can and make sure to bring a few FILLED bottles of water. We’ll also have a water station where you can refill as needed. You can also pop into the water for a quick dip to cool off if needed! Just avoid the swim course area.

Learn more about being SunSmart here: www.sunsmart.com.au

With thanks to our Event Sponsors:

• City of Rockingham
• Fremantle Ports
• Tourism Rockingham
• Scody Australia
• Quest Apartment Hotel Rockingham
• The Beach Rock IGA, and
• Keep on Running

Triathlon WA is proud to announce a partnership with StretchLab, a leading provider of personalised stretching and flexibility services. StretchLab is a unique wellness concept, offering customised assisted-stretch sessions. No two bodies are the same and no two stretches at StretchLab are the same. One-on-one stretching is about identifying tightness and imbalances in your body and customising a stretch routine that is just for you.

Through this partnership, Triathlon WA members will be eligible to receive special discounts on StretchLab services. This partnership will provide Triathlon WA members with access to stretching and flexibility services that can help improve performance, reduce the risk of injury, and enhance overall wellbeing. The discounts will be available at all StretchLab locations across Western Australia – Highgate, South Perth, Claremont and Currambine. We look forward to providing our members with this unique opportunity and helping them reach their goals.

TWA Member exclusive offer/s:

• 1x free 25-minute stretch per Triathlon WA Premium and Standard Members
• 15% ongoing discount for Triathlon WA Standard Members and 20% ongoing discount for Triathlon WA Premium Members