Triathlon is a sport known for its inclusivity, and welcoming community to athletes of any ability.
Victorian athlete Georgia Powning has been competing in triathlons for 12 years, and is leading the way for intellectually impaired triathletes with her success.
“I first got involved in triathlon at school as my fitness teacher based her program around triathlon,” Powning said.
“This led to my first triathlon, which was a kids distance in 2013.
“Since then, a highlight for me was competing in Townsville last year where the classification of II (intellectual impairment) was recognised – we were on the podium dancing in celebration!
“My achievements that I am proud of are becoming the National II Triathlon champion four times, as well as being road and track champion many times – but best of all, I have so many triathlon friends in my club that I can hang out with every day.”
In 2024 Georgia placed seventh in the 25-29 Sprint Distance Duathlon at the World Championships, and was thrilled to see her hard work pay off in the mainstream age group.
“It was incredible to think I could achieve this in a mainstream age group,” she said.
“The II athletes did it all on their own and I felt a real sense of achievement and validation as an athlete.
“As intellectually impaired athletes, we have to race mainstream age and completely independently.
“We practice all parts of the triathlon over and over, especially transition and flying dismount.
“Triathlon makes me feel included and allows me to show the world our capabilities, most people think if you have an II you are not capable, but through sport we can change peoples minds.
“At the 2025 World Triathlon Age Group Multisport World Championships in Spain, I am most looking forward to showing the world that I am not limited by my disability, and also meeting other athletes from other countries.”
Since being welcomed into her triathlon club and the wider community of the sport, Georgia has found lifelong friendships and encourages anyone thinking about starting their journey not to hold back.
“My triathlon club is where my friends are,” she said.
“We love to support each other and celebrate milestones as everyone improves.
“For anyone wanting to start – just do it!
“We are a community and never on our own – support is everything.
“It’s such an easy way to fit into mainstream life and people look at me as a sport champion not just someone with a disability – it makes me so proud.
“I would always say be a triathlete – it is never ever boring with three sports!”
The Preliminary 2025 Australian Age Group Triathlon Team will be announced on the AusTriathlon website by 5pm AEST on Monday the 26th of May 2025.
