For four decades, the Devonport Triathlon has been a cornerstone of Australian triathlon. And for almost as long, one man has been there to capture it all – Delly Carr.
A fixture behind the lens at the event for more than three decades, Carr has documented the triumphs, heartbreaks, and iconic moments that have defined it.
Now, as the Devonport Triathlon celebrates its milestone 40th birthday, he will be behind the lens here for the final time – his farewell to triathlon at the end of the season signalling the end of an era.
Before he bids farewell, we sat down with Carr to reflect on his favourite images, his deep connection to the event, and the moments that have made Devonport so special.
From memory, how many Devonport Triathlons have you captured over the years? It’s one of the few events that’s been around longer than you – quite a testament to its legacy!
I’m guessing 30-33 of the 40 years.
It sure is. I recall in the late 80’s hearing about Devonport and how 99% of the Aussie elite athletes of that time would race there year after year. And that fact intrigued me, Tasmania …. huh ? Why ? In a town that you wouldn’t imagine being a heavyweight in sport.
When I finally made the journey, it then became clear. Tasmania is one of the most beautiful untouched places on earth.
Athletes were pampered by Race Director Royce Fairbrother, picking up all the athletes and bikes from a tiny tin-shed airport in Devonport. All the athletes were placed in genuine Tasmanian hospitality homestays. An army of volunteers that really cared about the athletes. Good prize-money. And one of the best post-race awards party at Molly Malones.
There was none of the big city fuss and stress here, racing and celebrating the love of the sport in a beautiful part of the world.
Can you recall your first experience photographing the Devonport Triathlon?
It felt like I went back in time. Devonport was a small city then. One hotel only (I still stay there despite it being a little run down now), some old school B&B’s, and not much more.
All the shops were closed on a Sunday. No-one was to be seen, it was a ghost town on a Sunday.No Maccas. No fancy restaurants. No Spirit of Tasmania Ferry Service.
I too was pampered by Royce and his army of volunteers. Some of them are now lifelong close friends.
My greatest memory that I remember so lovingly was that the race had to be scheduled around a train timetable, a freight train actually, the transition bike exit or entry (I can’t remember) went over a train line. Then a few years later, it had to be scheduled around the Spirit of Tasmania Ferry schedule. The swim was in the Mersey River.
Later on, the race was moved to where it is today, at the Devonport Surf Club.
You’ve captured iconic moments at events around the world – where does the Devonport Triathlon rank in terms of your favourite events to shoot, what makes it stand out to you?
When I plan my Aussie triathlon season, Devonport is the first one I book in.
Yes, there are the ‘glam’ triathlons like Noosa and Mooloolaba, but Devonport feels like visiting and seeing an old friend. It has changed a little since my first visit, but at the same time it has stayed the same.
It’s hard to explain why I feel this way, perhaps due to the fun fond memories I have embedded in my brain or maybe due to the calm zen and karma that is in the air in Tasmania.
The place and the race just feels right.
Are there any particular shots or images you’re especially proud of from your time shooting Devonport?
So many people laugh at what Devonport means to me. They see me year after year chasing images when the conditions are right. The see how excited I get. The warm glow of morning sun as the first race starts, the arrival or departure of the Spirit of Tasmania during the swim, the low and high of the tide at the beach, the clean blue fresh sky, the low light at the end of the day.
I’m proud. I created what are now ‘iconic’ triathlon images there in Devonport. The athlete, the weather, the light, the water, and my excited visual brain all came together, and I merrily danced my photographic way through the race and the course.
Over these past years and we now have the World Triathlon Para Series Race on Friday. With my privileged access I am able to get images that other photographers only dream of. These athletes inspire me to greater heights in my work. I want to pay tribute to them.
Then on Saturday, we have a day of Elite and Junior Oceania Triathlon Championship races. I photograph the blood sweat and tears that our sport is known for. No one is racing for second place. That effort shows in my pics.
Knowing this will be your final year shooting Devonport, what are you going to miss most about photographing the event?
I have so many memories of my youthful days covering the sport. It was hard work but we also played hard.
Those I worked with and photographed, are now lifelong friends. I played snooker with them at the pub on the rainy days, stayed at their homes in the warmth of their Tasmanian hospitality, dined with them at the best gourmet restaurants, and of course we worked together in a calm peaceful manner in the super fresh crisp air. I will miss my friends. I had a ‘Triathlon’ excuse each year to see them, now I’m going to have to get off my bum to visit them regularly.
Devonport isn’t quite the city with old school charm anymore, it has grown like all cities have, but I will miss what Devonport gave me in my early years in the sport.
