AusTriathlon is proud to announce the flag bearers for the 2025 Australian Age Group Triathlon Team in Wollongong for the 2025 World Triathlon Championships.
Maureen Cummings and Garry Maddox will proudly lead their fellow Australians in the Parade of Nations on Wednesday 15 October at 5:00pm, marking a special moment for the largest-ever Australian Age Group Team with 1,212 athletes set to compete across 1,636 race entries.
For Cummings, who will line up for her 10th Australian Age Group Team, and Maddox, preparing for his 6th, the honour of carrying the flag is both a recognition of their commitment to the sport and a celebration of their passion for representing Australia on the world stage.
Cummings, a long-serving PE teacher and volunteer coach with the Sunshine Coast Triathlon Academy, has also represented Australia as an elite athlete on three occasions before joining the Age Group team. Across more than three decades, she has inspired countless students and athletes through her dedication to sport and education, making her selection as flag bearer a fitting tribute to her contribution both on and off the course.
Maddox, a senior writer for the Sydney Morning Herald and member of Balance Triathlon Club, brings a story of resilience and perseverance. In 2019, just weeks before the World Championships in Lausanne, he was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma and forced to withdraw from the team. Thanks to groundbreaking treatment developed by Australian of the Year recipients and fellow triathlon community members, Professors Richard Scolyer and Georgina Long, Maddox recovered and returned to the sport he loves. Since then, he became a passionate advocate for health and perseverance, while continuing to represent Australia at the highest level of Age Group racing.
“To be chosen as an Australian flag bearer feels absolutely amazing,” Cummings said.
“With Australia taking its largest team to date I’m super excited, humbled and proud to be one of two to lead and hold our flag high and wave it furiously for the other countries to see.
“When I initially found out I was in total shock, crying that such an honour had been given to me.
“Having been with AusTriathlon since the late 80’s, being chosen as a flag bearer definitely makes me feel extremely excited and proud of being part of the largest team Australia has sent to a World Championship.
“Racing this time will give me an extra boost to give it everything I have.
“Triathlon is largely an individual sport, however when it’s all said and done we are there for each other.”
For Maddox, the honour of being flag bearer reminds him of the feeling when he received his first green and gold race suit.
“I was honoured that I’d even be considered for the role,” Maddox said.
“I still remember the thrill of opening a package in 2013 and seeing my name on an Australian triathlon suit for the first time.
“Being part of an Australian age-group team has brought so many great experiences and it feels even more special this time.
“Wollongong has always been a great place to race and it’ll be buzzing with so many triathletes from around Australia and overseas competing.
“One of the best things about triathlon is the community. Everyone racing has their own story of setting goals, training as hard as they can, overcoming setbacks and learning what they can achieve with effort and perseverance – the World Championships celebrates thousands of stories.”
AusTriathlon Australian Age Group Teams National Manager, Alexandra Fehon says Maureen and Garry’s appointment as flag bearers recognised their leadership and lasting impact on the Australian Age Group Team.
“The Parade of Nations is one of the signature events of the 2025 World Triathlon Age Group Championships,” Fehon said.
“It’s a moment where athletes from across the country come together and march as one team, proudly representing Australia and marking the official opening of the Championships.
“I couldn’t think of two better individuals to lead the largest Australian Age Group Team ever selected. Maureen and Garry are outstanding ambassadors and their dedication and positive influence over the years have left a lasting impact on the team and the broader triathlon community.
“I’m incredibly excited to see the Australian Age Group Team take to the course in Wollongong.
“Every athlete has shown immense commitment over the past 18 months to earn their place on one of the most competitive teams we’ve ever assembled.
“Each athlete should feel an immense sense of pride wearing the Australian Age Group Team uniform as they run down the iconic World Triathlon blue carpet finish line.
“Whether you’re crowned a world champion or you’ve overcome personal obstacles just to make it to the start line, your achievement deserves to be celebrated.”
The 2025 World Triathlon Championships will be held from October 15 – 19 and will see athletes from Australia and the world competing in various multisport events.
For more information on the 2025 World Triathlon Championships – click here.
