Wyndham Harbour played host to the Australian Para & II Championships, where the duo of Cameron Marshall and Georgia Powning secured their third straight Australian Intellectual Impairment titles.
The event, set against the picturesque backdrop of the north-western shore of Port Phillip Bay, featured the popular Sprint format comprising a 750m swim, 20km bike, and 5km run.
Marshall and Powning reflected on the significance of their third consecutive Australian Intellectual Impairment titles.
“It means everything to me,” Marshall said.
“Since I was 13, I’ve always dreamed of becoming a national champion. To have achieved that on three occasions is a really good feeling.”
Powning also expressed her pride in becoming a three-time Australian Champion, and the desire for more success in the future.
“I felt very proud for doing it for a third time. I hope I can do it more,” she said.
The pair had previously clinched victory in the Australian II Championships in Devonport in 2021 and on the Gold Coast in 2022.
However, winning another title in their home state of Victoria held a special significance for the accomplished duo.
“To have a national championship in your hometown, for any athlete no matter what sport it is, is really good,” Marshall said.
“It’s something special having it here in my hometown.”
Powning echoed Marshall’s feelings, providing further insight into the race dynamics.
“The swim was flat, the ride was five laps, and the run was fast and furious,” Powning said.
“It was a very nice day and I hope people can do more triathlons here.”
In the Australian Para Championships, two up-and-comers, 14-year-old Jack Gibson (PTS3) and 16-year-old Matthew Engesser (PTS4), took the Australian titles in their respective categories.
Adding to the day’s impressive performances were Australian World Triathlon Para Series representatives Jack Howell (PTS5) and Caroline Baird (PTVI), both of whom were crowned Australia Champions in their respective categories.
In a standout debut at the Australian Championships, Mathew Kent secured the title in the PTVI category.
For the complete results from the Australian Para & II Championships racing, please click here.
