Star triathletes head north

WITH the upcoming World Triathlon Multisport World Championships set to take place in Queensland next week, Ballarat Triathlon Club members are getting warmed up.

Five BTC athletes will head to Townsville to compete on the international stage with the event to run from 15 to 25 August.

Louise Wood will be participating across the 25 to 29 age category aquathlon, long-distance triathlon and sprint distance duathlon.

Taking part alongside her father Andrew Wood, who’ll compete in the long-distance triathlon and duathlon standard in the 60 to 64-year-old division, she said she’s keen to wear the green and gold.

“I’m feeling super excited to represent Australia for the first time,” she said.

“It will be extra special competing with dad and is always something I’ve loved doing. We are always pushing each other and super competitive.

“The lead up and the past four months of fulltime training, plus working fulltime as a primary school teacher, has been challenging but once you’ve got the routine down pat, it’s been a very enjoyable experience.

“I would like to thank the Ballarat Triathlon Club for the continuous support over the past 15 years. I value this club immensely and always will be so appreciative of their support. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”

The event is expected to see 4500 competitors representing more than 50 countries across nearly 20 world championship races.

Stephen Oliver will take part in the long-distance triathlon in the 65 to 69 category.

Ben Fahy, in the 45 to 49 bracket, will run and cycle in the sprint duathlon.

Josh Dew, performing in the 35 to 39 cross triathlon, and aquathlon, said the upcoming event will be a watershed moment for him after years of championship competition.

“The Townsville Multisport Championships will be my last competitive triathlon,” he said.

“Afterward, I can’t wait to pass on the knowledge I have picked up along my journey by stepping more into a coaching role. Ballarat has a rich history of producing great triathletes, and I’m eager to help shape some of the future athletes in this sport.

“I have been very lucky to compete in every age category at a championship level, from 20 to 24 up to 35 to 39.

“I started competing in triathlon way back in 2009 at the Gold Coast Championships, where I participated in the aquathlon.

“Although my result was average, it gave me a taste of this great sport and led me to pursue it further, making great friends and being coached by amazing people.”

BTC athletes will compete in nine events across various categories throughout the championships.