Finding a love for triathlon can enable you to experience the sport from many different perspectives, including competing, volunteering or organising.
Husband and father, Jaime Young, balances work and family life with his passion for triathlon, who just like so many, unexpectedly found his love for the sport.
“Like a lot of people, I was roped into doing one leg of a Joyathon – the 200 metre swim – with two friends and we ended up winning,” Young said.
“That got me wondering if I could do all three legs, and from there I was hooked.
“I’ve raced in a few cool spots, but I always think fondly back on the old Canberra Half Ironman course which was a 3 lap bike leg, sending athletes down the Coppin’s Crossing technical descent and a hefty climb back out.
“Plenty of visitors to the race got a nasty shock on just how tough that climb was the third time round.
“But a favourite memory of mine during my time in triathlon was definitely back in my first stint of racing around 2008.
“There was a Triathlon Teams event held in the Penrith Regatta Centre, where 4 members of the team would start, but only 3 had to cross the line for finish line honours.
“A plan was devised that I would push the bike leg and do most of the work, and then drop off to let the ‘runners’ do their thing.
“Unfortunately we dropped one of our designated runners on the bike and I had to be nursed to the finish by my remaining 2 teammates on legs that I had left on the bike course – we ended up narrowly winning but that race sticks in my memory.”
Jaime recently competed in the Bateman’s Bay Tomakin Triathlon event, and will back up his performance at the ACT Aquathlon Championships this weekend.
“The Tomakin Tri is always a fun and interesting event for me,” he said.
“My parents live on the run course and for the last few years they have run the Hydration station on course which my kids help out with – and drink their share of electrolytes at.
“With Triathlon Australia making it a World’s qualifier, a new record number of entrants arrived this year and I managed to set a PB – though the favourable swim current may have contributed just a little.
“Ahead of the ACT Aquathlon Championships this weekend, my squad from JT Multisport will have quite a few races which is always great to be part of.
“My eldest daughter will also be racing in the Kids race, so I’ll be beaming with pride from that too!”
With triathlon known widely for its incredible community atmosphere, Jaime has been able to make lifelong friendships through the sport and encourages anyone to get involved, regardless of your skill level.
“I’ve met, and will likely continue to meet, lifelong friends through this sport,” Young said.
“There is something to be said for the bonds that are created when you are out for hours on end pushing yourself to the limit with likeminded people and sharing in each other’s successes and challenges.
“To anyone wanting to make a start – don’t wait to get fit to start or get back into triathlon.
“This probably delayed me a year or two on returning – just jump straight in and join a club or squad and get a coach or program.
“It will keep you motivated and give you a better chance of staying injury free.”
If you are interested in getting involved in triathlon, head to https://www.triathlon.org.au/ to find an event or club near you.
