Racing to gold and inspiring the next gen along the way!
At 77 years young, Jane Mountford of Newcastle Tri Club, claimed victory in the 75–79 Sprint Distance at the Age Group World Championships in Wollongong recently, proving that triathlon truly is a sport for every age and stage.
When we asked Jane about her keys to success, she said it is definitely her relentless consistency. “Training hard and trying not to miss one session was the key to being in winning form for Wollongong,” Jane shares. And, that discipline paid off in gold.
Whilst for all our NSW athletes, racing in the green and gold was a proud moment, we’ve love hearing about those off the course highlights from Wollongong, and when we asked Jane to name hers, she said her proudest moment wasn’t crossing the finish line—it was hearing her family cheer her on. “Having my daughter there and my three grandsons shouting ‘Go Granny!’ was unforgettable.”
We’ve loved this theme running through all our gold medal interviews, and it has showcased just how special having an Age Group World Championships at home has been!
Jane’s pre-race ritual was so honest and probably sums up about 95 per cent of triathletes we know: “I get sooo nervous and wish it was over – even though I know once it starts, I’ll be fine!”
Reflecting on the experience, Jane called it an “amazing, wonderful result” and praises the event’s organisation: “It was so well run, and since the race, I’ve had lipstick on my ears from smiling!”
Jane’s story is another great moment of competitive spirit, the power of community, along with the motivation to continue having a great sense of competitiveness and some exciting goals, no matter our age. Thanks Jane!
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