Inaugural Patron

Phil Coles AM

Phil Coles, an experienced sports administrator, and three-time Olympian in canoe sprint, was the inaugural patron of AusTriathlon, serving in the role from 1993 until his passing in 2023.

Coles played an important role in Australia’s Olympic and Triathlon history. As a canoe sprint athlete, he represented Australia at the 1960 Rome, 1964 Tokyo and 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games. Coles went onto to become the canoe/kayak section manager at the Munich 1972 Games and was Chef de Mission at the Moscow 1980 Olympics.

The former IOC Member was also an AOC Life Member, AOC Executive Board Member and Secretary General.

It was at a meeting with President Juan Antonio Samaranch in Paris during the 1994 IOC Congress, that Coles changed the course of history for the sport of triathlon, recommending to Samaranch that it be considered an Olympic sport.

“I believed Triathlon to be a wonderful candidate as a new sport which offered an excellent concept for exciting television coverage with appeal to all age groups,” Coles said.

Samaranch agreed and six years’ later the sport of Triathlon made its Olympic debut with the stunning Sydney harbour as its backdrop.

As Coles’ interest in triathlon grew, he became more involved in promoting the sport, serving as Secretary General of the International Triathlon Union from 1994 to 1999.

In later years’ Coles continued to serve triathlon as its patron, advocating for the sport at all levels.

Phil Coles AM was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his services to sport in 1983 and was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1993. Learn more.