They may be small, but they are definitely mighty and this year at the School Sport Australia Triathlon and Aquathlon Championships event, Tasmania are boasting one of the largest contingents they’ve had in the past decade.
Their 23-person squad is testament to the ever-growing success and participation of triathlon down in the Apple Isle and if the turnout at Devonport Triathlon was anything to go off it’s fair to say that there’s a growing love and appetite for the sport in Tasmania, according to State Services Manager, Shellie Casalegno.
“We have significantly increased our representation at this year’s event, with one of the largest state teams we’ve ever taken.
“We are incredibly grateful to our coaches, clubs, and community, including Fairbrother, for their ongoing support in creating opportunities that develop and grow junior participation. Triathlon is thriving in the junior space at the moment, and this team is a great reflection of that,” she said.
Renowned Tasmanian coach, Peter McKenna is just one of the coaches who’s made the trip from Tassie to the Gold Coast for the week-long event, noting the excitement and opportunity that it presents for the athletes to be in an environment with other kids who love the sport and get to represent their state.
“It bodes well for the future of the sport to have such a large and enthusiastic team heading to the National Championships this year,” he said.
Coaching is no easy feat, and even for the most experienced coaches there’s always new learnings. For McKenna working with these athletes is a chance to grow connections and also build up the love of the sport in his home state.
“The athletes are there because they love the sport – it is a pleasure to coach motivated people and is always fantastic to watch them progress in the sport.”
“I think we, as coaches, are lucky to be part of the journey for the next generation,” he said.
Opportunities like this don’t come around often, so McKenna’s one piece of advice was clear; “enjoy and learn”.
