The 2025/26 triathlon season was celebrated in style at the ACT Awards on Saturday 20 June with members of the community recognised for their contributions across the season.
It was a tight call for the Athlete’s Athlete with the live voting keeping finalists Gini Deakin, Amanda Power, Matt Ross and Fiona Souden on their toes. But in the end, it was Amanda Power who was victorious recognised for her impressive achievements out on the course and work beyond race day acting as the Social Coordinator and Coaching Coordinator for Females in Training. Renowned for her sportsmanship whether she’s competing, coaching, or cheering from the sidelines, Amanda radiates fairness, respect, and integrity.
Luke Schofield, won the Club Coach of the Year Award showcasing his skillset not only on the course but so too his strategy and craft off the course to guide athletes, while the results couldn’t be split for Age Group Athlete of the Year with both Lara Dawson and Fiona Souden taking home the title.
When it comes to the heart and soul of triathlon both Lauren MacDonald and Hannah Cullen-Hayes stole the show winning the Spirit of ACT Triathlon Award. As President of the Vikings Triathlon Club, Lauren’s leadership, generosity, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to the sport and community continued to shine through often acting as unifying voice. Fellow winner, Hannah was recognised for her never say die attitude, positive nature and desire to encourage those around her to keep going no matter the challenges or obstacles ahead.
James Carter collected the Endurance Spirit Award as Hayley Manning received the Novice of the Year award thanks to her growth, athletic progression, resilience, and positive contribution to the triathlon community over the past 12 months.
Often known as the heartbeat and voice of triathlon Rod Harrod was awarded the Volunteer of the Year for his constant involvement in the sport. Whether it’s from behind the microphone on race day or part of the board Rod has been a focal point in the triathlon community.
Petra Lean walked away with the Technical Official of the Year award as Lina Sheils collected the Multi-sport Rising Star Award.
Youngsters Tara Holmes and Jack Dunn were acknowledged for their efforts taking home the Youth Junior Athlete of the Year female and male respectively while the Rad Leovic Award went to Ross Beatty – a stalwart of the triathlon community.
The evening was made even more special with the auctioning of two bikes from Alan Sutherland Clark, a beloved member of the triathlon family who passed away late last year from a brain tumour.
2026 winners:
- Athlete’s Athlete: TBC
- Age Group Athlete of the Year: Lara Dawson & Fiona Souden
- Club Coach of the Year: Luke Schofield
- Technical Official of the Year: Petra Lean
- Rad Leovic Award: Ross Beatty
- Volunteer of the Year: Rod Harrod
- Novice of the Year: Hayley Manning
- Endurance Spirit Award: James Carter
- Multi-sport Rising Star Award: Lina Sheils
- Spirit of ACT Triathlon Award: Lauren MacDonald & Hannah Cullen-Hayes
- Pathway Athlete winners (male and female): Jack Dunn & Tara Holmes
State Champs:
- Female Under 14: Olivia Nicol
- Female 14–15: Eden Mitchell
- Female 16–19: Tara Holmes
- Female 20–24: Amber Hope
- Female 25–29: Gini Deakin
- Female 30–34: Simona Martorana
- Female 35–39: Hannah Hayes
- Female 40–44: Samantha Shields
- Female 45–49: Virginia Lindenmayer
- Female 50–54: Teresa Wynter
- Female 55–59: Michele Legge
- Female 60–64: Judy Gebhart
- Female 65–69: Leeanne Tennant
- Female 70–74: Jean Chesson
- Male Under 14: Thomas Bowden
- Male 14–15: Henry Baker
- Male 16–19: Jack Dunn
- Male 20–24: Andrew McKay
- Male 25–29: Thomas Champion
- Male 30–34: Mark Stevens
- Male 35–39: Thomas Davis
- Male 40–44: Luke Schofield
- Male 45–49: Jamie Young
- Male 50–54: Stuart Bardsley
- Male 55–59: David Clements
- Male 60–64: Andrew Whitecross
- Male 65–69: Brian Weiss
- Male 70–74: Peter Greagg
- Male 75+: Lachlan Lewis
