At the 2nd Annual Frankston Swim Classic, held on Saturday 8 February 2025, a group who called themselves, the Cold Water Crazies, entered the 400m event, and for many of the group it was their first real swim.
Anna Boland – Mornington Peninsula Tri Club (MPTC) committee member, one the founders of Frankston Swim Classic and an AusTriathlon (Victoria) Board Member – was thrilled to be able to witness the excitement of this group first hand.
“This group of diverse locals in Frankston just loved getting into the water,” Boland said.
“The swim was just another way to be out in our beautiful Port Phillip Bay together and to challenge themselves and each other while enjoying every single moment of it.
“The joy that they had and the excitement before the race and the absolute celebratory smiles and laughter when they realised they were going to cross that line.
“You couldn’t help but feel the emotion watching them cheer each other on and to see how happy and fulfilled they all were at the end.
“The next day bumping into a few of them around town and hearing their individual stories and seeing their beaming faces at achieving what a few years ago, many would never have even thought to attempt, was incredible.”
For herself, Anna first got involved in triathlon in 2014, and only two years later, she completed her first Ironman, and it is her love for the sport and its community that keeps her coming back.
“Of course I love competing, but to me the personal highlight has been being part of the triathlon community with all its ups and downs but I definitely found my tribe and made life long friends,” she said.
“I enjoy being able to encourage and enable those who otherwise may not dare dream of taking up the sport of triathlon to chase their dreams despite life’s circumstances and hurdles and to play a small part in the continual transformation of the sport and to break down barriers in community clubs within Victoria and beyond.
“It’s also seeing families get involved together, and seeing kids in awe of mum or dad and being inspired to get outdoors and pursue their sports.”
And for Anna, the Cold Water Crazies demonstrate how triathlon can become a place and community for everyone to feel welcome in.
“To anyone looking to get into triathlon, just start,” she said.
“Talk to other athletes and hear their stories.
“There are only a few who are going to podium each race, but there are more who just love participating in the broader community that becomes family.
“It’s a personal journey to achieve your own goals and dreams but more than that, it’s finding your people and your tribe.
“It’s the chats on the long rides and runs and the coffees after training, it’s the anticipation of the next race and celebrating or commiserating with your team.
“It’s not always looking your best in swim caps, helmets and sweaty running gear but being accepted and celebrated anyway.
“It’s going for a run when you have other stresses in life and taking it out on the trail, and whether it’s a solo session or a group session, it’s the ability to just have the courage to go, start and get it done and take on the adventure along the way.”
If you are interested in getting involved in triathlon, head to https://www.triathlon.org.au/ to find an event or club near you.
