AusTriathlon has elected Paul Stevens as the new President, as outgoing President Michelle Cooper steps down from the AusTriathlon Board after six years at the helm.
Paul has been a Director on the AusTriathlon Board since May 2024, but has a longstanding history with triathlon, having served on the VIC Triathlon board for a number of years. He is a strategic leader with experience in regulatory environments, driving transformative changes across business, government and private sectors.
Paul will officially commence in the role of President at the AusTriathlon Awards, set to be celebrated on the Gold Coast on Sunday 8 December. He is well known and respected by the State and Territory Triathlon Associations, ensuring for a smooth transition.
Paul said he’s excited for the future of AusTriathlon leading into a new Olympic/Paralympic cycle, and thanked Michelle Cooper for her leadership across her six years as President.
“It is a great honor and privilege to be elected as President of AusTriathlon. I am deeply proud to be entrusted with this responsibility, knowing the impact our organisation has on the lives of athletes and the broader triathlon community.
“My pride stems not only from the personal achievement of being elected, but also from the opportunity to contribute to the continued growth and success of triathlon in Australia and abroad.
“It has been an incredible privilege to serve under Michelle’s leadership. Her dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment to the growth of triathlon have been truly inspiring. Michelle’s ability to lead with both passion and strategic foresight has set a remarkable standard for all of us.
“The transition process has been a seamless and collaborative experience, working closely with Michelle which has been invaluable, as she has provided me with deep insights into the organisation’s priorities and the path forward. I am grateful for her leadership and excited to continue building on the strong foundation she has laid. Together, we are ensuring that AusTriathlon remains on a path of success for years to come,” he said.
The triathlon community is one that Paul said he is passionate about, and very proud to serve in his role as President.
“What truly inspires my passion for triathlon is the inclusive and supportive nature of the community. Triathlon is a sport that welcomes everyone, from beginners to elite athletes, offering pathways for all to succeed and grow,” Stevens said.
“Whether it’s the camaraderie among participants, the dedication of coaches and volunteers, or the resilience of athletes pushing themselves to new limits, the triathlon community is built on a shared commitment to personal achievement and collective success.
“This spirit of inclusivity and determination motivates me to work toward ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background or ability, has the opportunity to thrive within the sport,” he said.
Looking ahead to the next 12 months, Paul said there are some immediate priorities for AusTriathlon, especially as the countdown to the 2025 World Triathlon World Championship Finals in Wollongong.
“The next 12 months are crucial as we prepare for the excitement and opportunity of hosting a home World Championships. Key priorities will include ensuring that our athletes are well-prepared and supported, both in their training and competition readiness, while also building strong engagement within the local triathlon community.
“In my role as President, my immediate focus is on strengthening our community and fostering a collaborative environment where athletes, coaches, and volunteers feel supported and empowered. I plan to work closely with the board and key stakeholders to ensure that AusTriathlon continues to thrive by enhancing our programs, increasing participation, and expanding our grassroots initiatives.
“I am committed to promoting diversity and inclusion across all levels of the sport, while also looking for opportunities to enhance our partnerships and secure the future growth of triathlon in Australia,” he said.
Having served as President since 2018, Michelle Cooper said she’s proud of the work that has been delivered under her leadership.
“I’d like to thank the Board, our CEO Tim Harradine and our Triathlon community for their support and belief in me in my role as AusTriathlon President,” Cooper said.
“I’ve tried to lead with authenticity, approachability and courage in everything I have done during my time on the board, and I believe it has made a big difference to our members by being transparent and seeking their input.
“Our members have supported us through transitions, and showed their confidence in our sport’s return, and I know that the organisation and sport is in a great place,” she said.
During her tenure, Michelle successfully navigated the impacts of COVID-19, and implemented the new Operating Model, two achievements which she is extremely proud of.
“We have been able to bring the State and Territory Triathlon Associations together like we never have been able to before,” Cooper said.
“We have an amazing CEO in Tim, have received huge high performance funding boosts, delivered and implemented a new strategic plan, as well as a new high performance strategy.
“We’ve introduced our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Governance Committee, improved our ranking internationally and moved our stakeholder confidence and governance scores to their highest levels ever.
“There is a lot to be proud of, and I think I leave the sport in a really good place to be able to fully capitalise on our potential. We are mature, rigorous and brimming with opportunity. I am excited for the future and can’t wait to watch what comes next,” she said.
