Cronulla Triathlon Club hosts the NSW Aquathlon State Championships
Hosted by Cronulla Triathlon Club, the Richie Walker Aquathon has been a key event on the sporting calendar, this year celebrating an amazing 39 years running. In 2026 the race doubled as a NSW State Championship.
Held in memory of club member Richie Walker, who tragically passed away from cardiac arrest while competing in the sport, the event is also a fundraiser for the Heart Foundation and has raised significant funds to support research, education, and prevention programs – a legacy the club and local community, including Richie’s parents who attend the annual event, continue to honour with pride.
Whilst competitors came from across the State, it was local athletes who delivered standout performances to claim both the male and female overall wins in 2026. Nathan Breen and Petra Fransen, grew up in the sport with this very event shaping their early years as juniors. Nathan first raced the Richie Walker Aquathon at just 12 years old. While Petra lined up for the first time aged seven. This story is also a reflection of the club’s development pathway and the enduring influence of this event on young athletes.
Nathan continued his dominance, securing his ninth victory and cementing his status as one of the event’s most successful competitors. In the women’s race, Petra delivered a sensational win, adding to an already impressive season that recently saw her crowned NSW’s top junior female triathlete in the NSW Billigence Pathway Series.
Strong club communities were seen from within the Sydney Interclub Leagues including Concord Triathlon Club and Sydney Triathlon Goup, with the Richie Walker Aquathlon also contributing points in this League.
Your 2025/26 NSW State Aquathlon Champions
14–19
• Bodhi Jackson (Cronulla Triathlon Club)
• Petra Fransen (Cronulla Triathlon Club)
20–24
• Daniel Robinson (Central Coast Triathlon Club)
• Keiley Mead (Cronulla Triathlon Club)
25–29
• Nathan Breen (Cronulla Triathlon Club)
• Audrey Hall (BRAT)
30–34
• Sam Douglas (Sydney Triathlon Group)
• Grace Wolyncewicz (Sydney Triathlon Group)
35–39
• Andrew Gibietis (Coogee Triathlon Club)
• Isabel Herrick (Cronulla Triathlon Club)
40–44
• Adam Wicks (Independent)
• Maddalena Rossi (Cronulla Triathlon Club)
45–49
• Daniel James (Sydney Triathlon Group)
• Tsumi Smith (Coogee Triathlon Club)
50–54
• Andy Disley (Sydney Triathlon Group)
• Susan Strmecki (Concord Triathlon Club)
55–59
• Scott McGrath (Cronulla Triathlon Club)
• Nicole Lennon (Cronulla Triathlon Club)
60–64
• Deon Pienaar (Concord Triathlon Club)
• Nina Blair (Coogee Triathlon Club)
65–69
• Graeme Beattie (Warringah Triathlon Club)
• Jane Spalding (Concord Triathlon Club)
M70–75
• John Meacham (Cronulla Triathlon Club)
F75–76
• Anne Boyd (Cronulla Triathlon Club)
M80–85
• David Iverach (Cronulla Triathlon Club)
