Northern Territory sends 13 triathletes to take on Townsville World Championships

Northern Territory triathletes more than pulled their weight for Australia in the World Championships, with one Territorian racing their way on to the podium. Find out how they performed.

Nathaniel Chambers

3 min read

August 28, 2024 - 12:06PM

News Sport Network

13 NT triathletes were selected to compete in the Townsville World Championships. Picture: Patch Clapp

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Team NT more than made its mark in the green and gold uniform at the World Triathlon Championships in Townsville.

The Northern Territory last week sent its largest contingent of triathletes to compete at the Age Group World Championships, and of the 13 competitors, eight placed in the top ten for their age group.

Tim Ellison was the best placed from the NT coming third in the Aquathlon, which includes a 2.5km run followed by a 1km swim and finished with another 2.5km run.

Territorian Tim Ellison was among the triathletes to podium in the Townsville 2024 Multisports World Championships. Picture: World Triathlon

Ellison competed in the men’s 60-65 category and despite placing third against some of the best in the world, is already eager to go better and take the top spot in Wollongong next year.

“It was honour and a privilege to stand on the podium representing Australia and the NT,” he said.

“Going forward – third is not first, and I know I have work to do.

The good thing is I am convinced that Darwin is one of the best training environments in the world for multisport.

Further to this, the support we get from the NT Government through the National Selection Grant program isn’t matched anywhere in the world, we are very fortune in the NT.”

Elsewhere, Andrew Hermitage from Katherine and Darwin’s own Sinead Olivetta raced in the highly competitive long distance race.

The discipline that is targeted by many includes a 3km swim followed by a 114km bike segment and is capped off with a 30km run.

13 NT triathletes were selected to compete in the Townsville World Championships. Picture: Patch Clapp

Hermitage placed seventh in the men’s 30-34 category with a time of 6:12:48, while Olivetta placed 12th in the women’s 45-49 category with a time of 7:25:50.

More than 3000 competitors from more than 40 countries competed in events such as duathlon, aquathlon, aqua bike, cross triathlon and long distance from August 16-25.

Local triathlon races with the Darwin Tri Club enabled athletes to gain selection points to put their best foot forward to compete for Australia.

And many are already targeting their chance to compete and represent Australia in next year’s championships set in Wollongong.

Meet the Territory triathletes taking on the world

The NT has sent its largest ever group of triathletes to compete in the Age Group World Championships with 13 Territorians making the trip.

The group has travelled to Queensland for the World Triathlon Multisport World Championships taking place from August 16-25.

More than 3000 competitors from more than 40 countries will be at the meet competing in events such as duathlon, aquathlon, aqua bike, cross triathlon and long distance.

The competitions will see the 13 Territorians represent their country in a 1000-strong field taking part for Australia.

Local triathlon races with the Darwin Tri Club enabled athletes to gain selection points to put their best foot forward to compete for Australia.

Among the competitors is Michael Ninneman who is competing in both the men’s 25-29 sprint distance duathlon and standard distance duathlon.

He said it was great to have so many local qualifying events for the World Championships, to open the platform for Territorians to show themselves on the main stage.

13 NT triathletes were selected to compete in the Townsville World Championships. Picture: Patch Clapp

“It’s a massive opportunity to have qualifying events up here now,” Ninneman said.

“Having Worlds qualifying events locally allows for showcasing NT talent, allowing local athletes to compete and have the ability to apply for representation without having to travel massive distances is great for us.”

Meanwhile, Marg Black, competing in the 70-74 women’s sprint distance, has already had a taste of the racing experience in Townsville, which she said had been fantastic.

“The race itself went off without a hitch and the route was clearly organised,” she said.

“I encourage anyone to have a go. You do not need to be an elite athlete as there was a very much a ‘can do attitude’.

“I was in the 70+ category and there were athletes a lot older, faster and better than me all having fun. If you want an experience of a lifetime give it a go at Wollongong in 2025.”