Few people have shaped the culture and spirit of triathlon in Western Australia quite like Dave Scott. With more than four decades in the sport, Dave has been a member of Triathlon WA since its foundation.
We’re excited to recognise Dave as our Member of the Month for February. We caught up with him to chat about life, his favourite moments in triathlon, and to gather a little advice along the way.
Where the Journey began
Dave’s triathlon journey began in 1983/84, with his first race held at the North Fremantle Surf Life Saving Club. At the time, triathlon distances looked a little different: a 1 km swim, a 30 km ride, and an 8 km run, with athletes rinsing sand off their feet in buckets beside milk crates before heading out on the bike.
Remarkably, Dave didn’t even own a bike back then, and he wouldn’t buy his first set of wheels until he was 40.
“I never had a bike as a kid,” Dave recalled. “I just worked my way into the sport slowly.”
Introduced to triathlon by lifelong friend and mentor Gerard O’Neill, he spent his first year borrowing Gerard’s bike and learning the sport through running, swim squads, and plenty of determination. It was a humble beginning that perfectly reflects Dave’s philosophy: commitment matters far more than equipment.
He was an early member of Fremantle Triathlon Club, training and racing alongside fellow athletes while working as a regional manager with Homeswest in Fremantle. He later joined Perth Triathlon Club, where he has now been a member for more than a decade.
Favourite Race Memories
While running and swimming were always Dave’s favourite legs, thanks to his strong running background, it was the long course events that left the biggest mark on his triathlon journey.
Among Dave’s most treasured experiences are the early Rottnest Island long course races, and he completed more than 25 long course events over the years. One standout memory saw Dave and his training partner intentionally cross the finish line holding hands, tying for third place in their age group and prompting officials to scramble for an extra medal.
Rottnest has always held a special place for Dave and his wife Sue, as they often holidayed on the island for a week around race time. “Those races and that atmosphere were something really special,” he says.
Another defining moment came in 2005, when Dave competed at the Ironman World Championships Hawaii, a lifelong goal he had set for himself.
Race Superstitions and Rituals
Every athlete has a quirky ritual or lucky habit before a race. Maybe it’s a pair of socks, or the same breakfast every time. For years, Dave didn’t have any superstitions at all. That changed when he set his sights on qualifying for Hawaii.
“I was absolutely determined to get there,” he said.
Around that time his daughter, who was living in the United States of America, sent him a Wendy’s hat from her workplace. What started as a bit of fun quickly turned into a tradition and Dave started wearing the hat on the run leg of every race.
“My friends could always spot me straight away,” he laughed.
The hat first appeared around 2000, and he still has it today. It stayed with him for 20+ years, right through to his final race before retirement.
Personal Life, Hobbies and Coaching
For Dave, triathlon has always been more than three disciplines. It’s about community, resilience, and encouragement – values he has lived and shared for more than 40 years
Behind Dave’s long triathlon career has been the steady support of his wife, Sue, with whom he has shared 41 years. In the early days, Sue attended most races. She especially enjoyed the events at Cottesloe, City Beach and Fremantle, where the social atmosphere was fun and she could watch Dave race around the course.
Dave is a proud father of two daughters, a grandad to five grandchildren, and recently became a great‑grandfather too.
Outside of triathlon, Dave spent many years sailing at the South of Perth Yacht Club. He raced in the cruiser division aboard a boat owned by his captain, who sadly passed away from cancer. Dave continued sailing the boat for the next 15 years, often finishing a long morning ride, rushing home to get changed, and heading straight to the yacht club. He always had time to stop at Macca’s for a thick shake on the way though!
After retiring at age 55, Dave turned his attention to coaching which was something he had always wanted to do. He completed his Level 1 coaching course and began coaching swimming alongside Peter Trench, a role he continued for more than 20 years, right up until only weeks ago.
Dave coached swimmers and triathletes at Bold Park and Wesley College, while supporting cycling training with long-time friend Phil Ingpen. Coaching was never about accolades for Dave, it was about helping others improve, stay safe, and enjoy the sport.
Advice for Beginners and Fellow Triathletes
Dave finished every race he ever started, with only two exceptions: one caused by a mechanical issue and the other by heat exhaustion.
“Perseverance,” he said. “Just keep moving. Walk if you must. Lift your head, keep going, finish the race and enjoy it.”
He also emphasises the importance of easing into the sport, training properly, avoiding injury, and not worrying too much about having the best equipment.
“Triathlon doesn’t have to be expensive. Borrow a bike. Buy second hand. What matters is commitment.”
Generosity and Love for the Community
Dave’s ethos of second hand and supporting others continues, even now that he is no longer able to race.
As many of you might know, unfortunately Dave has been battling terminal cancer for some time now, and is no longer able to race. One of his wishes during this difficult time has been to gift his bike and triathlon gear to a deserving fellow triathlete. We were very honoured to help make that happen.
Dave’s vision was to gift his bike to an athlete who demonstrates strong commitment to the sport through regular training and competition. With the support of the Perth Tri Club Committee, Nicola Horstmann was chosen as the recipient.
On Sunday 11 January 2026 at the Interclub Champs, Dave proudly presented his bike to Nicola, a fellow PTC club mate. She was deeply honoured and grateful, and plans to put the bike to good use in her upcoming races, especially as she didn’t previously own a TT bike. She has also promised to send Dave a photo of the bike at her next event.
Our sincere thanks go to Mandurah Triathlon Club for giving us the opportunity to share this special moment, to Life Member Sam Prince who rode to Halls Head from Busselton for the occasion, and to Dave Scott for his strength, dedication, generosity, and for the selfless way he continues supporting the community he loves.
