At the 2024 AusTriathlon Awards earlier this month, David Schutz was recognised as one of the Rob George Medal recipients.
Recipients of this award are recognised for their exceptional contributions as officials to the technical program in their home state.
As the only award winner from South Australia, David shared that it meant a great deal to be chosen for this award.
“I felt very humbled to have received this award,” Schutz said.
“With many other top officials having been awarded the same, it did mean a lot to be recognised by my peers.”
First hooked on the sport in 1997, David has had the opportunity to experience many different event locations, making quality memories during his time.
“I was first introduced to Triathlon by being asked to be a team member of the popular BRW Corporate Tri events,” he said.
“I came from a running background, could ride a bike but not swim, so to convince me to join, I was given some basic swimming lessons, and then I was hooked.
“The highlight had to be finishing at Kona in 2006, as devotees of the sport know, that was the pinnacle with the World Championships.
“I don’t have a favourite event as an Official as they all offer something different to the location.
“But I have had many opportunities to be part of the Senior Team as Race Referee and have officiated at most of the IRONMAN events in Australia.”
Having just been over in New Zealand for the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships as a part of the technical team, David celebrated a milestone.
“The New Zealand trip was an anniversary for me,” he said.
“So hence I nominated myself to work at the 70.3 IRONMAN World Championships in New Zealand.
“In 2014 I finished my last IRONMAN at Lake Topau, and in 2024 10 years later, I had an opportunity to work as the 2nd Technical Official Moto with both female and male Pro groups.
“To work at this level with the pros competing for the big money and championship points, knowing that you can have an impact on the race with an incorrect call, was an honour.
“For 2025, it is my goal to continue as an official and make a difference to the sport.
“I want to not only perform well at high value events but be able to mentor other technical officials along their pathway, as I am probably in the sunset of my officiating career.”
Being a part of the triathlon community since 1997, David enjoys being a part of the culture it creates and being able to share stories with those around him.
“The community and people of triathlon share and enjoy the physical aspect of being able to train and want to improve in most cases.
“Sharing stories of training and events provides motivation and inspiration for others when they see ordinary people doing great things.
“To anyone looking to start their own triathlon journey I say take your time, enjoy what you are doing, but set some realistic goals that work for you and your significant others.
“I also discovered that being a technical official was an enjoyable aspect of the sport and eventually that took over from competing as an athlete.”
If you are interested in getting involved in triathlon, head to https://www.triathlon.org.au/ to find an event or club near you.
