TRIATHLON QUEENSLAND
FROM THE TOP
In everything we do at Triathlon Queensland , we underpin our activities with our values of Health , Enjoyment , Belonging , Achievement , Courage and Respect . In awarding our Champions of Queensland awards recently , these values are evident in each of our winners .
Recognising achievements within our sport from elites , para-triathletes and age groupers , through to volunteers , administrators and officials is a crucial part of who we are as an organisation . Each of these groups within the triathlon community can only survive with the involvement and support of each other .
This year ' s President ' s Award was jointly awarded to Grace and Isabella Derriman and Kye and Pia Kanemura . Both Grace and Kye have been able to share their love of triathlon with their siblings who , without their help , would not be able to participate . Isabella lives with Cystic Fibrosis and Pia has Rhett Syndrome - but with their sibling ’ s support , they are able to enjoy the sport we love .
Another sector of the sport which was recognised was our coaches . A great coach who knows how to get the best out of their athletes - junior , age group or elite - is what makes the difference . We recognised Stephen Moss for his work with elite athletes such as Gillian Backhouse and Sophie Malowiecki . Junior Coach of the Year was awarded to Rina Hill for her training methods which get results , while maintaining the focus on fun . Club Coach of the year went to David Tabernacle of SBR Training for his individualised approach to working with age group athletes , motivating them to achieve their goals .
Alongside the Nissan State Series Age Group winners , we also recognised the Age Group Athlete of the Year - this year taken out by Jenny Alcorn who had a win at the Ironman World
Championships , the Cross Triathlon World Championships and a second place at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships . The Male Age Group Athlete of the Year went to Brisbane local Damien Bulters who is the current Australian Age Group Champion for Sprint , Standard and Cross Triathlon categories . He also finished 6th in Standard Distance World Championships ( and was the first Queensland Age Grouper across the line at Mooloolaba Standard Distance Triathlon recently ).
We also asked our triathlon community to nominate the Technical Official , Volunteer and Club Administrator who had made a significant contribution to their triathlon community .
For the second year , Sue Fairweather was awarded the South East Queensland Technical Official of the year , and Greg Hoff was awarded the Regional Technical Official of the Year . Both Sue and Greg can be seen in their respective communities helping to ensure that triathlons are run in a safe and fair manner , educating and encouraging athletes along the way .
Our Volunteers of the Year , Eli Brighton and Greg Thirkill can be seen tirelessly supporting their clubs and the community , and the Club Administrators of the Year , Michelle Ball from Isa Rats and Tim Rook from Noosa have both made notable efforts in supporting new members and growing their clubs .
Day to day , it is the efforts of every individual within our sport , that makes our sport successful . We recognise and congratulate these award winners for their special contribution to our 2016 / 17 season .
See you in transition
TIM HARRADINE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR , TRIATHLON QUEENSLAND
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