With the 2025/26 season officially coming to a close we celebrated the amazing performances of athletes and contributions from our triathlon community across the state at the South Australian State Awards.
The afternoon was a fantastic opportunity to connect and showcase the great initiatives our sport is implementing. Led by our hosts, reigning World Champion Anu Francis and South Australia Triathlon President, Glenn Lydyard we reflected on the season which had no shortage of obstacles. But the one thing that shone through was the level of resilience and overall love and passion for the sport.
It was a special day for stalwart, Jesse Mortensen who was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his lasting impact on triathlon across the country, and particularly his home of South Australia. Over the course of his 32 years in the sport, Jesse has made an invaluable contribution leaving a mark on every community, club, state, and national body.
In terms of other award winners, Dominique Edwards took home the crown of Athlete’s Athlete. Recognised for both her impact on and off the course. Often the first to lend a hand to new athletes, provide advice or invite newcomers out on rides while also competing at the highest level herself, including representing Australia at 2025 Marbella Worlds and placing 3rd overall in the Geelong Aquabike.
Tracy Carey was recognised for her performance at Ironman at Busselton in 2025. Racing in her first Ironman she showed extraordinary determination, digging deep despite the sweltering conditions and even cracking a few jokes.
Dave Williamson, won the Coach of the Year Award, while Christine Schutz was named Technical Official of the Year – rounding out a busy and successful couple of weeks for Schutz.
Boasting a new look and feel, Mount Barker Triathlon Club collaborated with Tempo Triathlon Club to deliver joint training sessions and a rebrand, winning Club Initiative of the Year. Jason Berry was recognised for his ongoing commitment to the sport, taking home Volunteer of the Year honours. In the Event of the Year category, it was Whyalla Triathlon who were victorious with participants from across the state coming together to race with many labelling it as a carnival like atmosphere thanks to the food vans, coffee carts, live music and of course the picturesque backdrop boasting pristine waters and the iconic Hummock Hill and Circle Jetty run.
2026 winners:
- Athlete’s Athlete: Dominique Edwards
- Most Inspiring Performance: Tracy Carey
- Coach of the Year: Dave Williamson
- Technical Official of the Year: Christine Schutz
- Club Initiative of the Year: Mount Barker Triathlon Club and Tempo Triathlon Club
- Volunteer of the Year: Jason Berry
- Event of the Year: Whyalla Triathlon
- Youth Junior Athlete of the Year: Adelle Parkinson-Need and Thomas Wallett
- Youth/Junior Most Improved: Lachlan McKay and Grace Ellis
Hall of Fame
- Jesse Mortensen
