Lyn Humphris comes from a small country town in South Australia, and her incredible love and passion for the sport is what drives her to work hard in training and inspire her community to join her pursuits.
“I live near a remote rural town in SA that has a population of 2,000 people,” Humphris said.
“You can see for miles across the farming landscape, but there are no triathlon clubs, run clubs, bike groups or useful swimming pools.
“Twelve years ago, I unintentionally found the love of triathlon, when a small but local country town held a fundraising event and I decided to support it.
“I thought – ‘who can’t swim, bike and run, it’s easy right?’ – wrong…it was so deceptively hard for such a short race, I had spaghetti legs, stitches, breathlessness and nauseated at the finish line, but somehow, I loved it.
“Since I began triathlon many years ago, all my training is solo and I’ve learnt to like my own company.
“I can run for two hours and not see a single form of life and the local community ask about my ‘running’ and some can’t grasp the concept of three sports in one, let alone the distances I train. It’s a foreign sport here, but I’m working to change that and I hope to inspire others.
“There were no tri clubs in our country area, but two doors of opportunity opened in September 2014.
“Firstly, a new club in Port Pirie was formed, and then, whilst I was in Adelaide shopping, I was given a card to a Triathlon coach – so I entered my first sprint race in November 2014 as a Pirie Ranger.
“I was absolutely in awe of all those who raced and made it look effortless and I was delighted to find a community that encouraged adult participation with an age group competition.
“The Lakers are now my ‘local’ club, but it’s 3 hours away. Pirie unfortunately folded, but Lakers have always been welcoming and have been a great support system over the years.
“Sometimes going places is hard by yourself, so it’s nice to have company on race day.
“When the isolation of the country becomes too much, I join in with their bike rides and it’s great to chat about similar goals and challenges that triathlon throws at you.
“My online coach Gerard Donnelly at TriVelo Coaching strategically puts together my training program and I’ve done some awesome events with his guidance.
“I also like to keep in touch with other triathletes through facebook and Instagram, but most of all my husband is my biggest supporter and he’s right here by my side.”
Lyn qualified for her first World Championships in 2018, and was immensely proud of her achievement, never thinking that a quiet country girl could qualify for a World Championship event.
“When I was a child, I dreamed of being an Olympian representing Australia in Gymnastics,” she said.
“My idol was Nadia Comaneci who scored the perfect 10, and fast forward, here I am representing Australia in the Olympic distance triathlon.
“That’s pretty close to my dream and I am honoured and delighted to be competing in Wollongong in October.
“Many hours of training have brought me here and I’m proud to race for Australia in Australia. I’m also representing the country’s lifestyle, proving distance is not an obstacle.
“Experience is a great teacher and that first race in 2018 was definitely overwhelming!
“It was a steep learning curve in every aspect, and the enormity of the event was nothing I had experienced before, so many people, so professional.
“The level of competition was very high and I felt out of my league but was very proud to be there.
“Wollongong will be next level, so training has to be dialled in and my ‘why’ is strong – it’s for Australia.
“I still relive the cheering and crowds and that special feeling running down the blue finish mat.
“Being familiar with the course and the surroundings is also a bonus. It is going to be a great week.
“I’m not the fastest, but I’ll be ready and aiming for a PB.”
The 2025 World Triathlon Championships will take place in Wollongong, Australia from 15 – 19 October 2025.
