This week is National Volunteers Week, and AusTriathlon is celebrating by highlighting members of the triathlon community who play a pivotal role in the sport.
From South Australia, Verity Pietsch has been involved in the triathlon sporting community since she was a child and has now found her passion for volunteering through giving back.
“I did my first triathlon when I was 12 and was hooked,” Pietsch said.
“I’ve been part of the sport for 38 years now and I competed until I had my two boys – now aged 17 and 12 – including a couple of years as an Ironman pro in the early 2000s.
“Over the years I have served as a volunteer on the Triathlon SA committee, on the Lakers committee and in other roles, and started voluntarily coaching for the club about 10 years ago.
“I decided to give back to our juniors, as I was supported as a junior, when my boys were 10 and 12, by becoming our junior coordinator.
“As a volunteer, I love watching our juniors become more confident as they gain skills and to see them enjoy racing and stay in the sport is a highlight.
“We’re creating positive experiences for them and their families.
“I love helping at the school’s triathlon every year, as I have great memories of my school triathlon years in the 1980s and 1990s.”
In 2024, Verity was one of the Volunteer of the Year award winners and was humbled to receive the recognition, and loves being a part of the close triathlon community.
I was surprised to hear I had won – so many people give back to our sport,” she said.
“I felt really honoured to feel that I was representing all of the great junior families that we have.
“I met my husband, Nigel Pietsch, at the Victor Harbor Triathlon in 1999, and our kids have grown up in the sport – being a part of the community is a huge part of our lives.
“I love meeting new families and watching them all join in and take part.
“For me it’s about the relationships we form over the years and being able to support the next generation – the sport is like a second family to me.
“To anyone interested in volunteering their time in triathlon, I say – the more you help out, the more people you meet.
“Triathlon is a great leveller, we all have different strengths – and whether you’re walking or running, every step makes us fitter and stronger.
“It’s also great for our wellbeing and mental health!”
If you are interested in getting involved in triathlon, head to https://www.triathlon.org.au/ to find an event or club near you.
