Australian triathlon pioneer Garth Prowd dies in Spain after bike accident

TRIBUTES are pouring in following the death of Garth Prowd, the brains and passion behind the Noosa Triathlon and a pioneer of the sport in Australia.

Garth Prowd was a triathlon trailblazer and much loved member of the sporting community.

TRIBUTES are pouring in from around the world following the death of a man who helped put the sport of triathlon on the map in Australia and the brains and passion behind the biggest race in the Southern Hemisphere.

The much-loved and admired triathlon pioneer Garth Prowd, OAM, died in Spain on Sunday following a bike accident in Barcelona last week.

Prowd’s death at 65 was greeted with shock on social media by those who knew him, including multiple world ironman champions Mirinda Carfrae and Craig Alexander, former world No.1 Bennett and actor Dan MacPherson.

Garth Prowd at Noosa.

“Just terrible news,’’ wrote Alexander on Twitter.

“Sorry to hear about Garth Prowd passing away. Thoughts with his family and friends,’’ wrote former English world champion Helen Jenkins.

The man behind the famed Noosa triathlon and multiple world championship events and great friend to numerous high profile triathletes, swimmers, cyclists and Olympic athletes, was in Spain on a family holiday and passed away surrounded by his family.

He was a beloved member of the triathlon and sporting community at large and widely considered one of the sports great trailblazer both in Australia and overseas.

Just heard the news about Garth Prowd. Knew him both as Tri legend & Sunshine local, always smiling. Always loved chatting with him. Tragic.

— Daniel MacPherson (@DanMacPherson) July 31, 2017

In a statement, the family said while they mourned the loss of a “remarkable man”, his life and contribution to Australian sport would be remembered.

“Garth passed away peacefully surrounded by his family — his greatest love — wife Robyn, daughters Sally, Megan, Katie and son-in-law’s Matt and Ben,’’ the statement said.

“He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to many and his loss will be felt by all who knew him.

Really sad news. RIP Garth Prowd. https://t.co/wT9pFfTTms

— Mirinda Carfrae (@Mirindacarfrae) July 31, 2017

I cry as I write this most difficult note No words can describe my sadness 2 lose my gr8 friend Garth Prowd Vale mate we will never forget u

— Steve Moneghetti (@steve_mona) July 31, 2017

“While we mourn the loss of a truly remarkable man, we will remember his incredible life and his contribution to Australian sport.

“He was a man who revolutionised triathlon, running and cycling events in Australia, who was himself an enthusiastic sportsman.’’

Garth Prowd promoting the Noosa triathlon and multi-sport festival.