Annual Awards Nominations

To recognise exceptional athletic achievement in the sport of triathlon and its related multisport disciplines by an ACT athlete competing in their age group at the age group level. This award will be given for outstanding performances by a Triathlon ACT member competing as an age group competitor locally, nationally or internationally.

Nomination criteria:

• Event Prestige: Consideration will be given to competitions of notable significance, including but not limited to World Championships, national championships, and events recognized as of national importance. Additionally, events such as Triple Tri, Challenge, or Ironman races will be considered for their prominence.
• Finishing Position: Nominations should reflect the athlete’s ranking within their respective age category at each event under consideration. The ability to consistently achieve commendable placements is paramount.
• Consistency and Versatility: Nominees should demonstrate a pattern of sustained excellence throughout their participation in various events. This may encompass competing at a highly competitive level across multiple occasions within a season, as well as showcasing proficiency across diverse distances and multisport disciplines.

Rad Leovic was an ACT triathlete who continued to compete both locally and at the World level well into his 80s. He was known for his support of other triathletes and his contributions to the sport of triathlon both on and off the course.

The Rad Leovic Award for Senior Contributor to Triathlon aims to recognise a senior (aged 60 or over) athlete’s contributions to triathlon in the ACT, and the inspiration they provide to younger athletes.

The award is open to individuals who continue to participate in triathlon events and embody the spirit of lifelong athleticism.

Nomination criteria:

• Nominees must be active triathletes aged 60 years or above, competing in the ACT region.
• Contributions to the triathlon community through mentorship, coaching, volunteering, or organising events should be highlighted.
• Serves as role models and sources of inspiration to younger athletes, demonstrating that age is no barrier to athletic achievement.
• Have made significant contributions to the advancement or promotion of triathlon in the ACT.

The Club Coach of the Year Award aims to celebrate the significant impact coaches have on fostering triathlon communities by cultivating triathlon skills, fitness, and athletic performance within a club setting. This award honours coaches who not only excel in enhancing athletic abilities but also demonstrate a commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles, building coaching capacity, and driving the overall growth and success of triathlon within their club and the broader community. The Club Coach of the Year embodies the values of leadership, mentorship, and dedication to advancing the sport of triathlon at the grassroots level.

• Promoting Positive Lifestyle Changes: Recognition of the coach’s efforts in assisting athletes to adopt and maintain positive and healthy lifestyle changes through triathlon training and participation.
• Athlete Performance: Consideration of the coach’s role in achieving notable performance outcomes for their athletes, both individually and collectively.
• Mentorship and Development: Evaluation of the coach’s contributions to mentoring and developing other coaches within the ACT triathlon community, fostering a culture of growth and knowledge sharing.
• Sport Development Initiatives: Assessment of the coach’s initiatives that have contributed to the growth and development of triathlon in the ACT, including efforts to increase ACT Triathlon membership and participation in local events.

This award aims to highlight the journey of individuals who have embraced triathlon as beginners, showcasing their determination, progress, and positive influence within their club and the broader novice triathlon community. The Novice of the Year recipient embodies the spirit of growth, camaraderie, and personal achievement that defines the novice triathlon experience.

Nomination criteria:

• Participation and Results in the Novice Series: Evaluation of the athlete’s active involvement in the Novice Series and their performance outcomes during the series.
• Fitness Progression: Consideration of the athlete’s fitness level prior to joining the Novice Program and the noticeable improvements made in physical conditioning over the course of the program and series.
• Performance Improvements: Assessment of the athlete’s progress in performance metrics (e.g., swim, bike, run times) throughout the Novice Program and series races.
• Club Contribution: Recognition of the athlete’s engagement and positive impact within their club during the Novice Program and series events.
• Peer Recognition: Feedback from fellow participants in the Novice Program regarding the nominee’s sportsmanship, enthusiasm, and support within the novice triathlon community.
• Personal Circumstances: Consideration of any relevant personal challenges, such as illness or injury, and how the athlete persevered and demonstrated resilience throughout the Novice Program.

The retirement of the Darren Luskey Award for Ironman Achievement presents a unique opportunity to reevaluate what it means to take on the challenge of a long distance triathlon/multisport event.

It is our pleasure to introduce the inaugural Endurance Spirit Award. This award aims to emphasise the qualities of perseverance, determination, and inspirational achievement in the face of challenging long-distance multisport events of Classic Distance (2km swim/ 60km ride/ 16km run) or longer. It reflects the spirit of endurance athletes who push their limits and inspire others through their remarkable performances.

The award aims to highlight exceptional athletic achievement while considering the following criteria:

• Overall Finishing Position and Category Placement: Evaluating the athlete’s finishing position relative to all participants as well as within their specific category (age group, professional, etc.).
• Athlete’s Race History and Performances: Reviewing the athlete’s past race history, particularly focusing on previous performances, to understand their progression and dedication to endurance sports.
• Relevant Factors Impacting Performance: Considering external factors such as injury, illness, or personal circumstances that may have influenced the athlete’s journey and performance during the specified time period.

Ultimately, the award seeks to celebrate athletes who have demonstrated exceptional perseverance, determination, and excellence in the realm of endurance triathlon, inspiring others through their remarkable achievements on the course.

The Rising Star Award recognises the achievements of an Age Group triathlete (non-Elite and non-Professional) who has demonstrated marked improvement in their race performance in multisport events (triathlon, cross triathlon, aquathlon, duathlon, etc.) throughout the year.

Nomination Criteria:

• Nominees should demonstrate clear and measurable improvement in race results across multisport events (triathlon, cross triathlon, aquathlon, duathlon, etc.).
• Evidence of consistent progress, such as achieving faster finishing times or higher rankings compared to previous races, should be highlighted.
• Exhibits a commitment to training and competition, as evidenced by regular participation in multisport events.
• Recognition may be given to athletes who have overcome personal challenges or obstacles to achieve significant improvement in their performances.

The Spirit of Triathlon Award recognises a AusTriathlon member holding a current membership of any level (including social), who has exemplified the true essence and values of multisport. This award recognises an individual who demonstrates exceptional sportsmanship, passion, and dedication, contributing positively to the triathlon community in the ACT.

The recipient of this award is a shining example of what it means to embrace the spirit of triathlon and positively impact the community through their passion and dedication to the sport. Their contributions serve as an inspiration to others and contribute to the vibrancy and inclusivity of the triathlon community in the ACT.

Nomination criteria:

• Sportsmanship and Integrity: The nominee consistently displays exemplary sportsmanship both on and off the course, upholding the principles of fair play, respect, and camaraderie within the triathlon community.
• Passion for Triathlon: The nominee exhibits a deep passion for triathlon, embracing the challenges and joys of the sport with enthusiasm and positivity.
• Community Engagement: The nominee actively contributes to the triathlon community through volunteering, mentoring, or supporting fellow athletes, fostering a sense of inclusivity and support among participants.
• Inspiration to Others: The nominee serves as an inspirational role model, motivating and encouraging others to pursue their triathlon goals and embody the spirit of perseverance and determination.
• Contribution to Triathlon Culture: The nominee contributes to enhancing the culture of triathlon in the ACT, whether through promoting healthy lifestyles, volunteering at events, or advocating for the sport’s growth and accessibility.
• Resilience and Adaptability: The nominee demonstrates resilience and adaptability in overcoming challenges, setbacks, or obstacles encountered in their triathlon journey.

The Athlete’s Athlete Award will recognise an individual who embodies the true spirit of triathlon through their exemplary conduct, dedication to sportsmanship, and commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive triathlon community in the ACT.

Each club is invited to nominate a deserving member who exemplifies these qualities, and the recipient will be determined through a voting process during the awards night, reflecting the collective admiration and respect of the triathlon community. The Executive Director will contact Club representative for the clubs collective nominee.

Nomination Criteria:

• Community Impact: The nominee demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the sport of triathlon beyond personal accomplishments, actively contributing to its growth and development within the ACT.
• Exceptional Sportsmanship: The nominee consistently exhibits exceptional sportsmanship both on and off the course, embodying the values of fair play, respect, and integrity in all interactions.
• Positive Club Dynamics: The nominee contributes positively to club dynamics, fostering collaboration, camaraderie, and a supportive environment among fellow athletes.
• Leadership and Collaboration: The nominee demonstrates leadership qualities by inspiring and motivating others, fostering a spirit of teamwork and collaboration within the club and broader triathlon community.