The 2025/26 triathlon season was celebrated in style at the Tasmanian Awards on Sunday 28 June with members of the community recognised for their outstanding achievements on and off the course.
Jake Birtwhistle walked away with the Professional Athlete of the Year title after another impressive season while John Gregory won the Athlete’s Athlete largely credit to his dedication, hard work and ongoing commitment to the sport at all levels.
When it comes to inspiring performances it was hard to go past Hayden Armstrong. Armstrong won his age group at the World Championships in Wollongong and recorded the fastest overall time across all age categories worldwide in the aquabike event, making him a standout for the Most Inspiring Performance Award.
Sam Jarvis collected the Volunteer of the Year Award for his ongoing commitment to the Triathlon South committee, often stepping up to the plate to help with event setup, administration and the facilitation of the TryStars program.
Peter McKenna went back-to-back winning the Coach of the Year award while Lewis Mitchelmore secured the Technical Official of the Year renowned for his fair and calm nature under pressure.
After strong seasons, youngsters Poppy Steen and Gus McCarthy were recognised with the Youth/Junior Most Improved while Hunter Dean won the Junior Athlete of the Year – representing Tassie across the country.
Shipwright Arms Long Course Triathlon Championship took home the chocolates in the Event of the Year category as Break O’Day Triathlon Launceston Triathlon Club received the Club Initiative of the Year victory.
The afternoon was made even more special with Amelia Pearson inducted into the Tasmanian Hall of Fame. Although living overseas, it was a great opportunity to show homage to the ongoing impact Pearson has had on the triathlon community within the Apple Isle.
2025/26 Winners:
- Professional Athlete of the Year: Jake Birtwhistle
- Youth/Junior Athlete of the Year: Hunter Dean
- Youth/Junior Most Improved: Poppy Steen & Gus McCarthy
- Athlete’s Athlete: John Gregory
- Most Inspiring Performance – No Limits Award in memory of Craig Percival: Hayden Armstrong
- Coach of the Year: Peter McKenna
- Technical Official of the Year: Lewis Mitchelmore
- Volunteer of the Year: Sam Jarvis
- Event of the Year: Shipwright Arms Long Course Triathlon Championship
- Club Initiative of the Year: Break O’Day Triathlon Launceston Triathlon Club
Life Member: Mark Blake
Hall of Fame: Amelia Pearson
