Triathlon academy athletes prepare for famous Noosa race

The Noosa Triathlon on November 3 is the sport’s highest profile event in Australia and the world’s largest Olympic distance triathlon.

Toby Coote has been involved with the Mooloolaba Triathlon for more than 25 years.

TRIATHLON: With the Noosa Triathlon on the horizon, a host of Sunshine Coast athletes are ready to race against thousands of competitors from across the country.

The Noosa Triathlon on November 3 is the sport’s highest profile event in Australia, and the world’s largest Olympic distance triathlon.

Among the thousands of competitors from around the country is a group of 20 who train with the Sunshine Coast Tri Academy (SCTA).

SCTA director and head coach Toby Coote said the preparation was going well and they were ready to perform in one of the first major races of the season.

“It’s always exciting and then there are the nerves that come with it,” he said.

“For some (athletes) that have been around they know what they are in for, but I have a few doing Noosa for the first time so you are guiding them along the way.”

The Noosa Triathlon started in November 1983, with the main organiser being Dave Power, the 1958 Commonwealth Games marathon gold medallist.

He was supported by volunteers Peter O’Neill, Joe Gilbert, John Jamieson, Kevin Thorburn, and Ed Bull, who thought it would be a good event for the area.

SCTA is also training 17 students to compete in this Sunday’s Queensland All Schools Triathlon at Lake Kawana.

Ryan Marsh and Ella Wooldridge, who are recipients of the 2019/20 SCTA Junior Scholarship, are rising athletes to keep an eye on.

“One of the greatest joys out of coaching is seeing each athlete achieve their personal goals,” Coote said.