The 4^th Annual Triathlon Victoria Awards Breakfast was held on Sunday, recognising and celebrating those who have made significant achievements to the Victorian triathlon community over the 2017/18 season.

Among the highlights of the morning, Mitchell Kibby and Lidia Ursini were recognised for their significant achievements and commitment to their respective clubs and the broader triathlon community with the President’s Special Recognition Award.

After the sudden death of Ryan Bourke, his best mate and fellow director at i4coaching, Mitch has dedicated himself to his athlete community and supporting them to achieve their goals. His own triathlon ambitions have been parked so he can ensure the i4 community remains. His legacy will be the i4 club, the welcoming environment and the love of triathlon that he instils in his athletes.

Lidia Ursini is in her fourth-year volunteering with IST and an integral part of the team. She has taught IST athletes to ride a bike, buddies and encourages beginner runners, sets up the marquee, assists at every event. With her own son an athlete within the club Lidia provides generous support, guidance and comfort to parents and is a sounding board regarding bike choices, racing options and the next steps.

Amy Johnson was awarded the peer-nominated Club Coach of the Year Award for her significant contributions to women in triathlon through the development and success of her all female triathlon club, Tri Chicks. Through Tri Chicks, Amy has created a welcoming space for women in triathlon that empowers them to achieve their goals.

Fabrizio Andreoni and Kate Bramley were jointly awarded the Age Group Coach of the Year Award, celebrating their considerable success on the National and International Stage with their respective athletes. Fabrizio and Kate both emulate a passion, drive and dedication to the sport and their athletes, and have supported many Victorian triathletes to achieve their goals of racing nationally and internationally.

Jacquie de Ferranti’s ongoing and consistent contribution to the Technical Official program saw her achievements celebrated with the new Technical Recognition Award. Jacquie is an active Technical Official across the entire racing calendar, who is known for always putting the TO team first, accepting any role she can fill, and providing valuable feedback at the end of races to improve race management.

The Technical Official of the Year was awarded to Brett Garth. Brett has been an enthusiastic member of the technical team for the past five years, travelling extensively to ensure everyone can experience safe and fair racing, at times often being the sole Technical Official at regional races. Through his dedication and hard work, Brett provides a valuable experience to the entire Victorian triathlon community.

Inclusive Sport Training’s Isaac Wicks was awarded the Most Inspiring Performance Award, celebrating his inspiring season that has seen him transition from a tandem bike to a recumbent bike after much hard work and dedication to building up strength on his behalf. His season culminated in an inspiring performance at the Victorian Schools Triathlon Championships where he completed the 400/10/4 as an individual on his own.

Our tireless volunteers were also recognised on the morning, with seven clubs nominating their Club Volunteer of the Year. Brett Meehan, Linda Love, Charlie Pragnell, Laura Rostron, Stephen Rosbrook, Claire Radford and Lidia Ursini were all recognised for their hard work and dedication towards making their clubs the best they can be.

Laura Rostron (Hawthorn Triathlon Club) and Stephen Rosbrook (Nunawading Triathlon Club) were jointly awarded the Club Volunteer of the Year award, celebrating their continued efforts, often above and beyond the call of duty, to not only assist in the day-to-day functioning of the clubs, but to make their club a positive and welcoming space for all.

The next generation of Victorian talent was highlighted in the Junior Athlete of the Year Award, with Brooke McCullough and Luke Burns taking out the respective female & male awards after their highly successful seasons.

Our State Series Age Group 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place-getters were also celebrated on the morning, alongside our State Series Shield winners; Geelong Performance Coaching (Performance Club & Small Club); Bayside Triathlon Club (Large Club).

The full State Series Leaderboard can be found here, while Award winners can be found below.

Don’t forget to head over to our Facebook page and check out the gallery from the weekend.

Award Winners

Technical Official of the Year
Brett Garth

Triathlon Victoria Technical Recognition Award
Jacqueline de Ferranti

Club Coach of the Year
Amy Johnson, Tri Chicks

Age Group Coach of the Year
Fabrizio Andreoni
Kate Bramley, GPC Squad

Female Junior Athlete of the Year
Brooke McCullough

Male Junior Athlete of the Year
Luke Burns

Most Inspiring Performance Award
Isaac Wicks

President’s Special Recognition Award
Mitch Kibby, i4coaching
Lidia Ursini, Inclusive Sports Training

Club Volunteer of the Year
Laura Rostron, Hawthorn Triathlon Club
Stephen Rosbrook, Nunawading Triathlon Club