New South Wales local and Warringah Triathlon Club member, Nicole Ward has been racing in triathlons for over 20 years, who has her sights set on the 2025 World Triathlon Championships.
“In 2004, I watched one of my best friends from school compete in Ironman Australia in Forster and that inspired me to give Triathlon a go,” Ward said.
“I bought a bike and did my first triathlon out at Nepean not long after and I was totally hooked.
“This is now my 21st season in the sport and I still absolutely love it.
“It has been an action-packed journey that has taken me from age group into professional long course racing, and then into coaching.
Since stepping back from professional racing in 2013 to have a family, coaching has been my primary focus and passion, but I also love to train and still compete as a competitive age group athlete.
“I am part of the Warringah Triathlon Club found on Sydney’s beautiful northern beaches and my coaching group, Ward Coaching, is a key community within the club.
“The friendships, camaraderie and support have been integral throughout my journey to date.
“Whilst triathlon is an individual sport, being part of a team and supportive community is what I love so much about our sport.
“Now as a coach who still competes it is extremely special for me to be able to get out on course and share the training journey and race day experience with all my athletes and tri-family.
“I have so many personal highlights and incredible memories so it is hard to pick out just one.
“I would certainly say though that being able to qualify and then compete in the Ironman World Championships in 2009 as a professional athlete whilst also juggling a full-time corporate career was a personal highlight that I will always remember.
“To race on the world stage with the best of the best in Hawaii, when it was a mass start with all professional males and females on course together was incredibly special.”
With race experience at the 2018 World Championships on the Gold Coast, Nicole can’t wait to have another opportunity to race in front of home fans on the international stage.
“To represent Australia in a World Championships is a huge honour and I am so excited for the opportunity to wear the green and gold once again,” she said.
“To also race in my home state, with my squad of athletes and club mates makes it even more extraordinary.
“To race on the Gold Coast as a mum of a 2-year-old and in a super competitive field was incredible and so much fun.
“I was thrilled to achieve a bronze medal but with 17 seconds between us on that podium I have some unfinished business for Wollongong.
“I would love to see what I can do in my home state this time around with my family and friends coming to support me.
“I absolutely love racing, and getting out with my squad of athletes always drives and inspires me to give it everything when I compete.
“I know how special it is to represent Australia and this time around I hope to prepare better and get in a consistent solid winter of training with my squad.
“I have raced on the Wollongong course several times now so I know the course and what it will take to train well and race well for each discipline.
“Racing on the Gold Coast 7 years ago was an incredible experience and the absolute best feeling running down the blue carpet in a podium place.
“This memory will help drive my discipline and consistency through the tougher winter months. I cannot wait to get down there and give it my absolute best!”
To best prepare herself for Wollongong, Nicole has been training hard and benefiting from the support of her family.
“I decided to target both the sprint and standard distance races this time around, so it has been a busy 12 months of preparation and travel to different races and locations to cover the 2 distances and gain maximum selection points,” she said.
“As a busy mum, coach, and more mature athlete who has limited time to train, my key focus has been to keep a quality and consistent training regime whilst keeping healthy, strong, and uninjured.
“I believe to be successful and get the training balance right it’s important to have a coach and be kept accountable.
“My husband Bern, does an amazing job pushing me and keeping me on track to ensure I can chase my goals and dreams of being one of the best in the country and the World for my age group.”
The 2025 World Triathlon Championships will take place in Wollongong, Australia from 15 – 19 October 2025.
