Team T-Rex Triathlon are making their final preparations ahead of the 2024 World Triathlon Multisport World Championships Townsville, with 45 athletes set to take to the course in Townsville next week.
No stranger to elite competition, founder and co-director of Team T-Rex Triathlon Teresa Theaker has represented Australia on the Age Group Team on six previous occasions.
Taking up Triathlon in 2000, Theaker quickly established herself within the sport.
“Triathlon has been my sport of choice for 24 years now and I’ve had an ongoing career as a coach for 16 of those years as well,” said Theaker.
“Over the years I have raced in the sprint, olympic, and super sprint distances, as well as the aquathlon, aquabike and duathlon events.
“The sport brings health, fitness, friendships, connections and a great challenge to life,” she said.
Gold Coast-based Theaker will make her tenth World Championships appearance at the upcoming event and is excited to do so alongside the biggest number of T-Rex athletes yet.
An AusTriathlon accredited coach, Theaker will not only be competing herself but coaching and mentoring all those from the Gold Coast based club.
“We have 45 Team T- Rex club members racing in Townsville across the seven events – that’s a club record and surpasses our previous team record of 33 who represented us on the Gold Coast at Worlds in 2018,” said Theaker.
“We are excited to have athletes racing in the elite category for the first time who train in our Junior Development program as well as age group athletes aged 16 through to 75 years of age competing.
“There are many first time Worlds athletes amongst our team but we also have one member, Allison Jones known as ‘Jonesy’ who will be racing in her 11th World Championships.
“We also have members at Team T- Rex who will compete for their home countries, including Germany, Finland and Columbia.”
Known for her friendly, welcoming personality, Theaker was named Australian flag bearer at the 2022 edition of the event in Abu Dhabi where she went on to win a Bronze medal.
She is excited for those at her club to experience the World Championship atmosphere.
“Being the flag bearer in 2022 was one of the greatest honours in my life,” she said.
“Leading the Australian team in the Parade of Nations was beyond anything I ever imagined I would be doing in my life and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity.
“Winning a bronze medal in Abu Dhabi was a result I will treasure forever!
“I am most looking forward to seeing Team Australia race the rest of the World in Townsville and especially watching those first time Worlds participants experience the incredible atmosphere that only a competition of this level can bring.
“My tip is to stop to look around, slow down and enjoy the days leading into your event and be proud of yourself for stepping up to the challenge and representing your country.
“Also don’t forget to smile and throw your arms up high at the finish line, your finish photo will be a memory you will treasure forever!”
To find out more about the World Triathlon Multisport World Championships Townsville 2024, click here.
