The best of Western Australian triathlon were recognised and celebrated at the Triathlon WA Annual Awards & 40 Year Gala on Saturday 25 July.
Reece Harris and Madi Toovey were named 2026 Triathletes of the Year for winning the 2026 State Triathlon Series, with Erin Driscoll awarded Multisport Athlete of the Year.
The Professional Athlete of the Year recognises the highest ranked Western Australian male and female athlete on the Professional Triathlon Organisation rankings as at 31 December 2025.
The 2026 male award went to Nick Thompson, who finished the 33rd ranked athlete in the world and top Australian having finished second at IRONMAN Cairns and third at IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See, and seventh at 2025 IRONMAN World Championships in Nice. The female winner was Kate Bevilaqua who capped off an amazing career with an emotional performance at her home IRONMAN in December.
The 2026 Individual Performance of the Year awards were presented to Nick Thompson for his seventh-place finish at the 2026 IRONMAN World Championships and Sally Pilbeam for placing fourth at the 2025 World Paratriathlon Championships in Wollongong.
Jon Sammut was awarded the Chris Hewitt Memorial Award, which is awarded at the discretion of the Triathlon WA President, to recognise an individual, group or organisation that has made a significant contribution to triathlon in Western Australia.
In December 2024, Jon Sammut’s life changed in an instant following a serious accident while competing at IRONMAN WA. What followed was an incredibly challenging journey of rehabilitation, one that tested him physically, mentally and emotionally in ways few of us could imagine.
Many people in Jon’s position would have understandably stepped away from the sport to focus solely on their own recovery. Jon did the opposite.
While navigating one of the most difficult periods of his life, he continued to give back to the triathlon community. He invested his time and energy into building a welcoming, supportive environment where athletes of all abilities felt they belonged. Whether someone was taking on their very first triathlon or striving for elite-level performance, Jon made every person feel valued, encouraged and capable.
His impact has extended well beyond coaching or training sessions. He has helped create a community where friendships have formed, confidence has grown and people have discovered a lifelong passion for our sport. Along the way, he has supported athletes to achieve remarkable success, always celebrating their achievements ahead of his own.
Guy Crawford was named 2026 Coach of the Year for his coaching impact, which extends far beyond the athletes he coaches directly. Through his unwavering dedication to athlete and coach development, he has played a significant role in strengthening the triathlon community across Western Australia.
Ava Henville and Cooper Smeulders were named Pathway Athletes of the Year following strong seasons. Henville represented Australia at the Junior Elite World Championships in Wollongong, finishing 23rd in her first international competition. While Smeulders claimed the School Sport WA Triathlon Championship and competed at the Oceania Triathlon Championships and the Asia Triathlon Junior Cup.
Lucy Henville and Aaron Cockburn were awarded Junior Encouragement Awards for demonstrating not only outstanding commitment to their sport, but also character reflective of the values of Team WA – determination, sportsmanship, kindness and respect.
Since its beginnings in 1993, the Mandurah Interclub Triathlon has grown into one of Western Australia’s most iconic triathlon events, attracting more than 350 athletes. For its combination of participation, inclusivity, community spirit and enduring popularity it was named Event of the Year.
The Armadale Triathlon Club Twilight Triathlon was recognised as Club Initiative of the Year for bringing a fresh and innovative concept to the WA triathlon community. By shifting racing to the late afternoon and evening, culminating in a unique twilight or night-time finish, the event created a completely different experience for participants.
Keith Bowron of the Rockingham Triathlon Club, has dedicated seven years of outstanding service in key leadership roles. For his exceptional commitment, leadership and tireless volunteer service, Keith is a most deserving recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award.
The Steve Barrie Technical Official of the Year was presented to Mark Ward who over 13 years has become one of the most respected officials in WA. As a highly trusted Moto Official, he’s often assigned to elite and open long course races because his calls are fair, consistent, and always spot on.
Through her vision, passion and years of dedication, Claire Hawkins has created opportunities for thousands of people to participate, compete and connect through our sport. From introducing newcomers through women-focused events to developing exciting racing opportunities for juniors and experienced athletes alike, her impact has been felt across the WA triathlon community. Her years of service earned her the Service to Sport Award.
2026 Triathlon WA Award Winners
Triathlete of the Year – Female: Madi Toovey
Triathlete of the Year – Male: Reece Harris
Multisport Athlete of the Year – Female: Erin Driscoll
Professional Athlete of the Year – Male: Nick Thompson
Professional Athlete of the Year – Female: Kate Bevilaqua
Individual Performance of the Year – Male: Nick Thompson
Individual Performance of the Year – Female: Sally Pilbeam
Pathway Program Athlete of the Year – Male: Cooper Smeulders
Pathway Program Athlete of the Year – Female: Ava Henville
Junior Encouragement Award – Male: Aaron Cockburn
Junior Encouragement Award – Female: Lucy Henville
Steve Barrie Technical Official of the Year: Mark Ward
Coach of the Year: Guy Crawford
Event of the Year: Mandurah Interclubs – Mandurah Tri Club
Club Initiative of the Year: Twilight Triathlon – Armadale Tri Club
Volunteer of the Year: Keith Bowron – Rockingham Tri Club
Service to Sport: Claire Hawkins
Chris Hewitt Memorial Award: Jonathan Sammut