Did you know Triathlon is expanding into Multiclass?

After the success of Ashwood School’s participation in last year’s TeamUp Active Tri, this year there are 56 students from both Ashwood School and Rossbourne School ready to compete in Race 2 of TeamUp Active Tri on 7^th December. Triathlon Victoria caught up with Liz Gosper, coach, teacher and mentor to the competitors from Ashwood School to find out more.  

Why Triathlon?

I am employed at Ashwood School as a Fitness Teacher. My passion for triathlon has been the driving force to get the students involved in this sport. It is a sport for life and hopefully some of these students will continue in Triathlon as adults and maybe represent Australia one day.

What do your students like about Triathlon?

We started triathlon last year at Ashwood. They love the challenge of the three disciplines and then putting it all together for the TeamUp race 2 event in December. Many of the students are involved in squads that are held at school in all the disciplines. However, much of the training is fun related games and activities. 

What’s your ultimate goal?

To increase the numbers of school students participating in Multiclass Triathlon in Victoria. Last year 23 competed and this year it is 56. I would love to see other specialist schools become involved.

Recently four Ashwood staff members completed the TRYstars training at Ashwood School. The more coaches, the more students can be coached.

My vision is to have Multiclass triathlon as part of School Sport Victoria race series so our AWD athletes are included to represent the state at the SSA Nationals.

What partnerships does Ashwood have to assist with equipment for competitors?

Now this is the amazing part!

Masters Swimming Victoria has partnered with Ashwood and other Specialist Schools. Pre loved and new equipment has been donated, such as swim bags, fins, goggles, caps. When we train we look like swimmers!

Cycling Victoria has provided free training programs at our school on road bikes. This has really raised the bar for many kids learning how to use gears and handle high performance bikes. Our school does not own any road bikes so without CV we would not have had the opportunity to experience this. CV is also lending bikes to those who have trained on them for race day.

Aqua Shop has recently run a trade in wetsuit program. Craig and Lindell Percival have donated to Ashwood and other specialist schools over 40 wetsuits. We cannot thank them enough for this outstanding generosity. Exciting programs ahead!

Start to Finish Event Management event director Julie Tedde has been the person behind our race. This year we have added Rossbourne School and a Multiclass Victorian Championship wave. The place getters of the event will be the inaugural Victorian Champions on the big stage!

EPTA has coached at our school, bringing bikes on wind trainers and running through transition practice with the students. This has been invaluable training and great fun.

Sportstiks have given discounted race tattoos for the day for the students which are great fun and identify our athletes.

Yarra Tri and Tri Response Triathlon Squad have donated many pre loved triathlon and cycling gear for the students to wear on race day. 

I must mention Triathlon Victoria has been extremely supportive in our quest for Multiclass Inclusion in so many different areas, including printing pre loved suits with the Multiclass logo.

I am so grateful to other sponsors such as Funky Trunks and Total Rush for spot prizes for event day.

Volunteers are invaluable on the day, so thank you Ashwood and Rossbourne staff, family and friends who make this day so fabulous.

Please come down and support and cheer for the Multiclass athletes on Sunday December 7 for a 9.20am start at Race 2 TeamUP Active Tri at Mordialloc.