The story of Shepparton Triathlon Club is one of resilience, community and passion.
Impacted severely by COVID-19 and flood disasters, they were forced to cancel six events in a row, forcing their club to a stand-still.
Club Treasurer Trent Hadfield shared that the way the club bounced back was special.
“I think I cancelled six events in a row,” Hadfield said.
“One cancellation was the day before the event, and we still haven’t been able to run that event because the site hasn’t recovered from the floods.
“We’d just come off the COVID years where there was a lot of planning and things not going ahead, so to have 6 major events cancelled in a row was tough.
“But it’s always good to see support, and off the back of the floods last year we were back in full swing with the aquathon, which was a World Champs Team Qualifier.
“It was great to see the numbers grow and it was a real mark on the comeback after the disappointment of having to cancel so many events.
“It’s always special to see how the community was involved in the bounceback.
“In events like that you sometimes ask yourself why you do it, but when you see how happy everyone is, it is so satisfying.”
First joining the triathlon community 15 years ago, Trent used his first event as a jumping off point and has been involved ever since.
“There are so many good memories, but for me I think my first half Ironman back in 2013 was very special,” he said.
“I also spend a lot of my time as an event and race director so a lot of memories for me have also come from producing races and seeing so many happy competitors at the events.
“When you’ve been around for so long you know so many people from other clubs who are always there and it’s always a good chance to catch up with people and see so much of the community beyond our immediate club.”
A key event on the Shepparton Triathlon Club’s calendar is the Aquathon coming up on 1 December, which Trent revealed is the perfect event for anyone new to the sport.
“Our Aquathon is coming up on the 1st December, and that’s always a good one,” he said.
“We’ve had people come who are new to the sport, and because it’s a swim and run only it’s a good opportunity for those people less comfortable on the bike.
“It’s also a really good community race, and Shepparton is only two hours from Melbourne so it’s an achievable distance, and people come up and really enjoy the area while they’re here.”
“We are also re-launching, after a long absence, the Hexman Triathlon which is on 2 February next year.
“We’re offering a discounted entry for people who enter in both events – the Aquathon and Hexman at same time.
“It’s a really friendly atmosphere, so it’s a good chance to come and train for Hexman on the Aquathon course.”
For anyone interested, Trent shares that what he loves most about triathlon is the community and we all start the same so just give it a go.
“Without a doubt I love the community,” Hadfield said.
“Community is a big part and you’re always welcome no matter what, you don’t need to be elite to be included.
“Do it at your own pace, there’s no high intensity, it’s just about coming and having a good time and there’s something for everyone.
“I encourage everyone to talk to your local club, because ultimately, we all start the same.”
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