The nation’s rising triathlon stars will converge on Runaway Bay this week for the Australian Junior & Youth Super Sprint Championships, held at the Gold Coast Performance Centre.
As part of the dynamic Super Sprint Race Weekend, athletes will compete across four days of multisport events, showcasing their skills and endurance in one of the most celebrated events in Australian triathlon.
The Super Sprint Race Weekend has a rich history of fostering future champions, with Olympians such as Ashleigh Gentle, Matt Hauser, Jaz Hedgeland, Jake Birtwhistle, and Emma Jackson among those who once claimed titles at the prestigious event.
This year’s competition promises to unearth the next generation of talent ready to follow in their footsteps.
Defending champion and two-time title holder, Aspen Anderson enters her final season as a junior with her sights set on a historic third title – a feat that would see the Queenslander match Ashleigh Gentle’s record for the most Super Sprint Race Weekend wins.
“Winning a third Australian Junior Super Sprint Championship would be great but I won’t be deterred if I do not rise to the challenge as I have bigger goals for the season ahead,” Anderson said.
“In saying that, it would be the perfect way to close this chapter of my final junior year as I transition into the next phase of my racing journey.
“Competing at the Super Sprint Race Weekend and representing Team QLD has been an incredible journey. It’s not just about the racing; it’s about the friendships and challenges that comes with racing alongside some of the best juniors in the country.
“Over the years I have learned to adapt to the different challenges and have connected with people who share the same passion for the sport. As I enter my final year as a junior nothing changes – I intend to have fun, stay motivated and race hard.”
The 18-year-old will face strong competition from a talented field of junior women eager to claim the title for themselves.
Australia’s youngest ever Paralympic triathlete Grace Brimelow adds a unique dynamic to the event, competing as a PTS4 para athlete against able-bodied competitors. The Queenslander boasts an impressive resume, including a victory in the World Triathlon Para Series in Devonport last year.
Returning to the competition is last year’s bronze medallist, Caitlyn Garratt (QLD), who will be eager to improve on her performance and challenge for the top spot once again.
New South Wales’ Grace Henry, who represented Australia alongside Anderson at last year’s World Triathlon Junior Championships in Torremolinos, will also be a strong contender, while making her debut in the junior ranks is Queensland’s Leila Alexander, the reigning Australian Youth Super Sprint Champion.
In the junior men’s category, defending champion Jack Woodberry leads the field. The Tasmanian delivered Australia’s best result at last year’s World Triathlon Junior Championships in Torremolinos, finishing 20th in a highly competitive international field.
He’ll take on a stellar line up including reigning silver medallist Fletcher Medway (QLD), Tasmanian teammate Jack Latham – a dual Commonwealth Youth Games medallist – and Queensland’s Bowen Bamford, who also represented Australia at the World Triathlon Junior Championships.
Western Australia’s Luke Williams, the reigning Australian Youth Super Sprint Champion, also makes the jump to the junior ranks.
Athletes will accumulate points through various events, such as le mans and aquathlon, with points assigned based on overall time.
Saturday’s Australian Super Sprint Championship Finals involves seeding from previous events, with overall champions determined by the first finishers in respective categories.
For more information on the Australian Junior & Youth Super Sprint Championships, click here.