Competing in triathlons with friends and family can add an extra level of excitement to the event.
For the Nielsen family, it’s something they love being able to do together.
The Nielsen’s are a triathlon loving family of five, but parents Bianca and Clint admit they weren’t big into the sport before their three children, Felix, Georgie and Ralph, came along.
“Before our children became involved in triathlon, neither Clint nor I participated in the sport,” Bianca said.
“Since the kids have become involved, I now volunteer on our Genesis Multisport Club Committee, and Clint has competed in a couple of triathlons with the kids.
“As a family we have become more active and now often exercise together.”
As parents, Bianca and Clint shared that it is incredible to see their three kids share the same passion for triathlon and be able to compete alongside each other.
“It’s great to see our three kids share a common interest,” Bianca said.
“It means a lot to see them passionate about a sport that has such a positive influence on their health, and that can bring lifelong participation.
“We also see the social benefits that it has for them, and also the challenge that training and competition across three disciplines brings.”
As for the children, their interest in the sport began a little over a year ago and their drive to compete continued to grow, providing them each with valuable memories along the way.
“I was really surprised and proud to make the Queensland Team this year,” Felix said.
“And to place 3rd at Nationals individually, and 1st with my relay team was amazing.”
“My favourite triathlon memory is going to Cairns to compete because I had never been there before,” Georgie said.
“And my highlight would be coming first at the TreX Cross Triathlon QLD State Champs.”
“For me it would be winning a state championship in the TreX Cross Triathlon,” Ralph said.
“It was my first time participating in this type of event and I really enjoyed it.”
After a few years of participating in triathlons, Felix, Georgie, and Ralph love the challenge of competition, the sport’s ability to take them to new places, and the opportunity to meet the incredible triathlon community.
“I love pushing myself in competition,” Felix said.
“I also like to see new places when we do different training like camps or travelling to compete.
“I have met a lot of new people and it’s always fun to catch up with them at different races.
“It’s also good to have my brother and sister to train with at our Club.”
“I get to do 3 sports in one, so it is always fun,” Georgie said.
“It’s also good because every race is different.
“I like to train with my friends before school, and it’s really good training with Genesis Multisport Club and going to the same school as lots of my triathlon friends.”
“I enjoy pushing myself and the sense of achievement when I complete training and races, as well as getting to do long rides and visit new places,” Ralph said.
“As club captain of the Genesis Multisport Club I get to learn about leadership.
“It’s also fun to train every day with my brother, sister and my mates.”
To anyone looking to get involved with triathlon, the Nielsen children encourage you to take that leap.
“Give it a go, it’s a fun way to stay fit,” Felix said.
“Just find a club and get started. It’s fun to train and to race,” Georgie said.
“Start with a good program to improve on each discipline,” Ralph said.
“You can work on each area by doing different things such as crit racing, competitive swimming and running with your club or park runs.”
If you are interested in getting involved in triathlon, head to https://www.triathlon.org.au/ to find an event or club near you.
