Triathlon is a sport that has the power to inspire the community and the athletes involved through its power to create a strong sense of accomplishment and support.
An amazing ambassador for the sport is 16-year-old Aurora de Boer from Tasmania, who is an athlete inspiring her triathlon community.
“When I was younger I did the Bupa Kids triathlon, and a year or so later I did a duathlon out at Symmons Plains,” de Boer said.
“I then met some more people in the triathlon community, and attempted a few more races, and it then carried on from there, and now I have been involved in triathlon for around 3 years.
“A personal highlight for me would be the super sprint race weekend 2023, it was such a great environment and the events that were held were different than any other.
“The fast paced racing and competitive atmosphere was something I really enjoyed.
“It was a great experience to meet more people and learn new skills, I had elements of certain races I was really happy with, and it was great to experience such a different style of racing.”
As a member of the Tasmanian State Team, and 2024 State Series Champion, Aurora was proud to finish her season with such a positive result.
“I was very grateful and overjoyed to get the 2024 State Series Champion,” she said.
“It really ended off a hard season of racing with a positive finish.
“The experience competing for this was great, and I love the competitive atmosphere and aiming to be the best I can be, and the more opportunities I get to improve and progress the better it is.
“Competing provides such an exhilarating feeling, so it’s always great being out there.
“I know from watching others compete that no matter whether people are winning or just finishing the race it’s inspiring to watch others accomplish that, and it makes you want to do that yourself.
“I aspire to be this for myself and others, so that people can feel inspired and encouraged to have a go.”
Involved in the sport for three years, Aurora has been grateful for the inclusive community that the sport has created, and encourages anyone thinking about participating to get out there and see what events you like as there is something available for everyone.
“The community is really inclusive, especially when you’re first starting off and beginning a new sport,” de Boer said.
“It is encouraging to have such a supportive group of like minded people around you.
“The further I have progressed in triathlon, the more people I have met, and as a social person this has been great to engage with so many people who are interested in similar things.
“To anyone thinking about starting their triathlon journey, honestly just have a go see what you like and what you don’t like.
“There are so many avenues with multi-sport, including Aquathons or Duathlons, to create diversity in your race season, or if you prefer a certain leg.
“It’s a really inclusive community and is very welcoming, so just enter an event and try it out, there’s so many distances and levels of competition, depending on age or ability level; so it’s a sport that is really fun and diverse.”
If you are interested in getting involved in triathlon, head to https://www.triathlon.org.au/ to find an event or club near you.
