The Gunnedah Triathlon Club earned two third placings at the NSW Triathlon Club championship presentations at Club Forster on the night of Saturday February 21.
The club was named third most successful junior club across NSW, and third in Division 5 club in NSW.
In a statement, the Gunnedah Triathlon Club said “third place for our club in Division 5 is a testament to the rapid rise in memberships” while Triathlon NSW president Adam Wicks said the club was “the fastest growing club in NSW”.
“The junior club award is given to the overall club with the best results per junior member over several races,” the statement said.
“As Gunnedah has some very talented juniors coming through, the club was awarded third overall in NSW, competing against many very strong clubs throughout NSW.
“This is an amazing effort for such a small town as Gunnedah.
“This is a huge result for our club.”
The Triathlon NSW president also said John Hickey played a “fantastic leadership role” as head coach in reinvigorating the club.
Additionally, Donna Hickey was named VIP for the Gunnedah Triathlon Club. This award was presented to members of several different clubs for their support and contribution to triathlon within their club and triathlon as a whole.
Also at Main Beach Forster on the same day, numerous Gunnedah triathletes competed in the NSW Triathlon Club Championships.
Donna and her daughter Sarah Stewart took on the sprint, and questioned their decision when they had to tackle the hills twice on a gruelling bike course.
Donna won the 65-69 age group, while Sarah was fourth in the 35-39 age group.
In the super sprint, Gunnedah’s Cooper Galton won the 13-14 boys age group and came fourth overall in the super sprint distance.
Lincoln Stewart completed his first ever triathlon in the super sprint on a mountain bike without any training, while talented junior Georgina Grimm also raced her first official triathlon.
In the kids’ race, the Gunnedah contingent of Rosie Galton, Harper Levitt, John Finlay, Eleanor Finlay and Reggie Stewart tackled a tough ocean swim, fast bike course and very hot run.
Race officials and spectators commented on how great the Gunnedah Triathlon Club’s juniors were in their transitions and professionalism during the race.
Gunnedah Triathlon Club members at the presentation at Forster. Back: Donna Hickey, Adam Wicks (Triathlon NSW president), Reggie Stewart, John Finlay, Georgina Grimm, Cooper Galton, Sarah Stewart. Front: Eleanor Finlay, Hunter Finlay, Rosie Galton, Harper Levitt. Photos: Supplied.
