The iconic shores of Busselton are set to host some of the worlds finest athletes this weekend for the Ironman 70.3 Western Australia Asia-Pacific Championship. As the penultimate stop of the 2024 Ironman Pro Series, this race marks the 18th stop on the series, with just two remaining on the calendar. The points earned here will be crucial, and we’ll see nearly 80 pro athletes toe the start line.
Busselton has a longstanding history with triathlon and this event holds special significance for many West Aussies. With its flat and fast bike course and absolutely stacked start list, Ironman 70.3 Western Australia promises to be an exciting showdown of local and international talent.
Eight WA Pro men and one WA Pro woman are set to line up alongside a world-class field. See the full Pro start list here.
Triathlon WA caught up with some of our local Western Australian Pro athletes this week to find out what the experience means to them, and how they’re feeling in the lead up to race day.
DIMITY-LEE DUKE
Dimity makes her return to Western Australia this weekend, following a series of impressive recent results, including a 6th place finish at IRONMAN Malaysia in 2024, 19th at the IRONMAN European Championship in Hamburg, and 7th at IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu Lapu.
Reflecting on the significance of this race, Dimity shares, “It’s always nice to be home after a year of travel and finish off my season at my home race. There is definitely a star-studded lineup this year, and I am just looking forward to competing and racing to the best of my capabilities.”
However, Dimity’s return to WA comes during a difficult time for her. “It’s been a tough few weeks,” she said, as she recently lost her grandfather, who was from the Augusta/Margaret River region. “I was still overseas when he passed… so I guess my ‘why’ on Sunday will be to race from the heart for my family and friends in front of the hometown crowd.”
MATT BURTON
Busso legend Matt Burton will once again dominate the bike course this weekend. With an impressive record that includes a win at the 2024 Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship in Cairns, 2nd place at Ironman WA in 2023, 6th at Ironman 70.3 Melbourne, and 3rd at Ironman WA in 2022, Burton is a seasoned competitor who continues to shine.
For Burton, Busselton holds a special place in his heart. “Busselton is what the sport is for me,” he reflected. “It’s where it began and will long hold my greatest memories. The local support is something you appreciate more every year. An isolating endeavour for a large part, so to finish the year’s racing at home is as great an end to any year!”
With Ironman WA being included in the Pro Series this year, Burton is thrilled that Busselton will finally receive the global attention it deserves. “Quality athletes have travelled to Busso since the inaugural event, understanding the ‘flat, faster course,’ yet often leave with the understanding of why we call it the Wild West. No place like home.”
NICK THOMPSON
Nick Thompson has emerged as a rising force in triathlon, building an impressive resume that signals his readiness to challenge the sport’s elite. After placing 3rd at Ironman WA last year, Thompson went on to secure 21st at the Ironman World Championships and 8th at Ironman 70.3 Melbourne. His 2024 season has solidified his reputation as one to watch on the international stage, and this weekend’s event adds another exciting chapter to his journey.
Thompson grew up immersed in the sport, watching elite athletes tackle the Busselton course year after year. Now, as he lines up on the start line once more, this race holds a deeper significance.
“Ironman WA was always the event that you’d get so excited about going down to Busselton and watching as a young WA triathlete,” Thompson shared. “While it’s incredible to see such a high calibre of international athletes descending on Busselton this year, who I’m certain will perform amazingly as they have around the world, this event is much more than just a race for me.”
KURT WESLEY
This weekend marks Kurt Wesley’s first Ironman Pro Series race of the season, though it’s far from his first experience at the top level. A regular on the World Triathlon circuit and Busselton 100 podium, Wesley is sure to give the other pros a run for their money.
Reflecting on the upcoming event, Wesley shared, “We’ve been given a great opportunity with Busselton 70.3 being part of the Ironman Pro Series. I’m excited to face my first pro long course race in Western Australia, against a quality, world-class field. It’s a privilege to have so many athletes from around the world here, seeing our beautiful state, and I can’t wait to compete against them.”
HARRY SINCLAIR
Hailing from outback Australia, Harry has been making strides in the Long Course triathlon world in 2024 with recent results including 23rd at IRONMAN Calella-Barcelona, 7th at IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast, and 12th at IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong. He’s excited to be racing this weekend on home turf.
“I always had a dream of being a professional athlete, and like many kids in Australia, that dream started with football,” Harry reflects. “After not progressing past WAFL level and dealing with many injuries, triathlon gave me another chance to compete at the elite level. It’s an honour to be on the start list in my home state and race in front of family, friends, and an awesome community that is triathlon.”
JONATHAN SAMMUT
After overcoming significant health challenges, Sammut has made a strong return to the sport with renewed determination and grit. Recently, he placed 4th at IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast and 19th at IRONMAN Malaysia, solidifying his comeback on the professional stage.
For Sammut, the Busselton event holds a deeply personal significance. “It’s so much more than just a race to me,” he explained. “I’ve been coming to Busselton since I was a kid, watching my dad race and building so many memories here. The nostalgia I feel for this place and the event is unmatched. I’ve gone from aspiring to be like Courtney Ogden, running alongside him as he claimed his first Ironman WA win, to last year, when I circumnavigated the course and cheered on my best friend as he finished 3rd overall. This race means the world to me—just standing on that start line, surrounded by so much history and passion, makes me proud to call WA home.”
OLIVER TERRY
Fresh off a podium finish at the U24 Long Course World Championships, Oliver Terry is set to make his mark at this year’s Ironman 70.3 Western Australia. With a preference for the middle-distance format and a dedication to rigorous training, Terry is emerging as a strong contender in the highly competitive field.
“Four years ago, I completed my first-ever triathlon, the Busso 70.3,” Terry reflected. “Busselton is where my triathlon journey started, and after spending 2024 living here, I feel incredibly privileged to race in this field and welcome some of the best athletes in the world to a course I could race blindfolded. I’m hoping the hometown advantage can translate into a fast race.” With his roots firmly planted in Busselton and a deep connection to the course, Terry is poised for an exciting performance this weekend.
REECE HARRIS
After a breakout season racing on the World Triathlon circuit, and a recent 11th-place finish at the Noosa Triathlon, Reece Harris continues to build momentum and is looking forward to taking another big leap forward on his professional triathlon journey.
“Ever since I was a kid watching my first 70.3 Ironman in Mandurah, it has always been a dream to compete at the highest level of Triathlon,” Harris shared. “As I’m about to compete in my first ever pro 70.3 against some of the best triathletes in the world in front of a home crowd, I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity.”
KENJI NENER
Kenji Nener’s return to WA is a full-circle moment. Having grown up in Wesrern Australia and taking part in the WA Pathway program before making the move to Japan, Kenji recently raced Paris 2024 Olympics taking home a 15th place in the Elite men. Nener is now making his Ironman 70.3 Pro Series debut in Busselton. Ending his stellar 2024 season at home is a fitting conclusion for this world-class athlete.