Joanne Gray, a Sydney Triathlon Group member, was first introduced to triathlon by her brother and it soon became a sport the entire family were a part of, who now continue to carry out her brother’s legacy in the sport.
“It was my youngest brother, Chris Davis, who is totally responsible for getting me involved in the sport,” Gray said.
“In late 2018 he suggested that we should, as a family, participate in the Australian sprint distance triathlon age group team.
“My first response was ‘absolutely not’, as I couldn’t imagine swimming in open water, or racing on a road bike and I didn’t even know what a sprint triathlon was!
“However, my interest was piqued and my other two brothers were also keen, so, along with my husband Stephen we began the adventure and our first race was Foster in October 2019 and I remember that wonderful feeling of exhilaration crossing the finish line.
“Sadly, our beloved brother Chris, passed away in February 2023, and as a family we have continued to participate as an acknowledgement of Chris and his love of the sport.
“We too have grown to love the sport and participating as part of the Australian age group team is something we will continue to strive to achieve every year for as long as we can.”
Since 2018, triathlon has given Joanne many fond memories that she is excited to build on this year in Wollongong.
“There are many, many favourite memories – I get such a feeling of accomplishment and joy every time I cross a finish line,” she said.
“The excitement of finishing my first international triathlon in Montreal in 2022 was a real highlight, and wearing the Australian uniform and being a part of something so big and exciting was pretty awesome.
“A highlight for us as a family was in Hamburg in 2023, our brother Chris was posthumously named as the Australian Age Group Triathlon Team flag bearer and we carried the flag for him. It was a sad but proud moment.
“I am so looking forward to Wollongong and to participate in the Australian team, in Australia is pretty amazing.
“I will be racing along with my two brothers, John and Andy Davis, and we have some of our other family members with us as our support crew, it will be a fun few days.
“I enjoy training so I do something every day, and being a little older I find I need a combination of running, swimming and cycling, along with strength training and Pilates to best prepare.
“My goal, as always, is to finish with a smile and to completely immerse yourself in the entire experience!
“Stay calm, think clearly, be prepared, do nothing new on race day, write a list and check your gear more than once!
“Grab a flag as you head down the finish chute and smile and just enjoy the moment.
“And another personal tip – I always wear red lipstick for confidence and in the hope of a good finishing photo!”
The 2025 World Triathlon Championships will take place in Wollongong, Australia from 15 – 19 October 2025.
