The Queensland triathlon community came together over the weekend to celebrate our Awards recipients and recognise the outstanding achievements and contributions our clubs, volunteers, coaches, technical officials, athletes and members make to triathlon and multisport.
The 2024 Queensland Awards were held at the Garden Marquee in Victoria Park, overlooking Brisbane City.
Dual Olympian Ashleigh Gentle was awarded Professional Athlete of the Year (Female) in recognition of her outstanding 2023/24 season. Gentle won the 2023 Noosa Triathlon, T100 Singapore, Ironman 70.3 Langkawi (which doubled as the Asia Pacific Championship), PTO Asian Cup and the Ironman 70.3 Andorra in a 12 month period, making her the standout nominee.
Luke Willian was celebrated for his achievements over the nomination period and awarded Professional Athlete of the Year (Male). As well as top five finishes at the Hong Kong World Cup (4th), Yokohama World Triathlon Championship Series (3rd) and Oceania Triathlon Sprint Championships (2nd), Willian also won the Wollongong World Cup and Oceania Triathlon Mixed Relay Sprint Championships.
A force to be reckoned with on the international circuit, Grace Brimelow was awarded Paratriathlon/Multiclass Athlete of the Year (Female) for her gold medals at both the World Triathlon Para Series in Devonport and the Oceania Championships over the last 12 months.
Jack Howell was awarded Paratriathlon/Multiclass Athlete of the Year (Male) for his outstanding results both domestically and abroad, including top of the podium finishes at the World Triathlon Para Series in Davenport, Oceania Triathlon Para Championships Stockton and Australian Paratriathlon National Championships.
Gold Coast’s Aspen Anderson dominated on the Junior circuit over the last 12 months, winning gold at the Commonwealth Youth Games, Oceania Junior Championships, Australian Junior Championships and National Schools Championship among others. Anderson was awarded Junior Athlete of the Year (Female) for her outstanding results.
Awarded Junior Athlete of the Year (Male), Fletcher Medway had a 2023/24 breakthrough season, winning both the National Schools Championship and the All Schools Championships as well as placing second at the Super Sprint Race Weekend.
Alison Jones was named the Athlete’s Athlete for her willingness to assist others with their training while also focusing on her own. Among other acts of service, World Championship athlete Jones is known for volunteering at Supersprint every year, cooking healthy food for others after training and picking up injured athletes who can’t drive to ensure they can still get to training and swim.
Despite an injury requiring stitches at the Oceania Paratriathlon Championships, Grace Brimelow took the win in her first appearance at the event at just 16 years of age, earning her the Most Inspiring Performance award for the 2023/34 season.
Our 23/24 State Series Overall Champions were revealed – congratulations to Series Champion and Overall Series Winner Age Group Male Phillip Hermitage, Overall Series Winner Age Group Female Marion Hermitage, Overall Series Winner U16 Female Rachel Taylor and Overall Series Winner U16 Male Jacob Algate.
Coach of well known names such as Matt Hauser, Brad Course, Tara Sosinski and Charlotte Derbyshire, Dan Atkins was awarded Elite Coach of the Year for his innate ability to achieve results.
Pete and Jacque McKenzie were awarded the Junior Coach of the Year award for their unwavering dedication to the development and success of young athletes in Australia. The pair make it a priority to attend every single event in which their athletes compete – their presence at every competition serving as a constant source of support, guidance, and encouragement for their athletes.
Following a multitude of high quality nominations, Allison Cooke was awarded Coach of the Year. Having worked full time with her successful club Multisport Gold for over 12 years, Cooke always leads by example and is known for her encouraging and inspiring support of all club members.
Technical Official of the Year Glenn Sadler consistently showed fairness in his officiating decisions over the last 12 months. In addition to his amazing ability to de-escalate situations calmly and efficiently, Sadler genuinely cares for all athletes and their wellbeing.
Stephanie Allen was awarded Volunteer of the Year for her tireless work over the last 5 years. Amongst other notable contributions, Allen took on the roles of Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer all at once to keep her club afloat.
Lastly, Club Initiative of the Year was awarded to the Whitsunday Triathlon Club for their revitalisation after Covid interruptions. With a self proclaimed lack of experience in event management, the Whitsunday Triathlon Club was able to come together to plan and host an amazing event in July 2023 that exceeded expectations.
2024 QLD AWARD WINNERS
Professional Athlete of the Year (Female) – Ashleigh Gentle
Professional Athlete of the Year (Male) – Luke Willian
Paratriathlon/Multiclass Athlete of the Year (Female) – Grace Brimelow
Paratriathlon/Multiclass Athlete of the Year (Male) – Jack Howell
Junior Athlete of the Year (Female) – Aspen Anderson
Junior Athlete of the Year (Male) – Fletcher Medway
Athlete’s Athlete – Alison Jones
Most Inspiring Performance – Grace Brimelow
State Series Overall Series Winner – Phillip Hermitage
State Series Overall Age Group Male – Phillip Hermitage
State Series Overall Age Group Female – Marion Hermitage
Elite Coach of the Year – Dan Atkins
Junior Coach of the Year – Pete and Jacque McKenzie
Club Coach of the Year – Allison Cooke
Technical Official of the Year – Glenn Sadler
Volunteer of the Year – Stephanie Allen
Club Initiative of the Year – Whitsunday Triathlon Club Revitalisation
