Technical Officials are often the first to arrive and the last to leave on race day. They work behind the scenes to ensure events are safe, fair and enjoyable for every participant, from first-time triathletes through to elite athletes competing on the world stage.
Last night NSW Technical Officials came together online for the NSW Triathlon Technical Forum, an evening that celebrated achievement, recognised service and highlighted the vital contribution officials make to our sport.
During the season, NSW officials supported 40 commercial events across the state, filling 61 Senior Technical Team (STT) roles and contributing to four Billigence Pathway races, which included an educational seminar on the Competition Rules.
The development of officials remained a major focus throughout the year, with five officials achieving Regional Technical Official (Level 2) status. Congratulations to Fiona Horn, Tom Sumsky, Toni Hodge, Ian Ross and Richard Mourant on becoming accredited RTOs this season.
Following the first Australian Technical Official course in nine years, Catherine Ross also achieved her ATO (Level 3) accreditation.
NSW officials continued to make their mark nationally, with nine officials appointed to 11 STT (Senior Technical Team) positions across six Events of National Significance (EONS) races, while a further 16 officials travelled interstate to gain valuable development experience.
The impact of the NSW officiating community extended well beyond local events. Officials represented NSW at major international events including the World Triathlon Championship Finals in Wollongong, T100 World Tour events, Oceania Cups and Championships, and World Triathlon Championship Series events in Quiberon and Hamburg.
A significant milestone was the accreditation of nine NSW officials as World Triathlon Level 1 Officials, further strengthening the pathway for officials aspiring to work at higher levels of the sport. Congratulations to Tom Sumsky, Toni Hodge, Dave Allen, Mark Toyer, Carol Irving, Craig Cusack, Andy Mackie, Angela Argueta and Johan Lequin on achieving this accreditation during the season.
The evening was also an opportunity to celebrate Tom Sumsky from Port Macquarie Triathlon Club, whose dedication and contribution to the technical program were recognised by his peers and the wider community with the NSW Technical Official of the Year award earlier in the year at the NSW Club Championships.
The forum also recognised long-serving officials who have dedicated many years to the sport. Annette Lee and Adam Wicks were acknowledged for 10 years of service, Andrew Royan, Catherine Ross, Grant Holman and Sue Horsburgh for 15 years, and Christina Thorne for an outstanding 20 years of service to triathlon officiating.
Alongside the season review, officials participated in practical scenario discussions focused on managing extreme weather and event contingencies, heard insights from Elite Energy Race Director Kyle Anderson, and took part in CPR awareness activities designed to support athlete safety.
The evening reinforced that technical officiating is about far more than rules. It is about creating safe, fair and welcoming race environments while supporting the growth of triathlon across NSW.
To every Technical Official who gives their time, knowledge and passion to the sport, thank you. Your contribution helps shape the experience of thousands of participants and ensures our events continue to thrive.
