Latham’s triathlon switch pays off before Youth Comm Games test

A switch from surf lifesaving to triathlon has paid off for a young Ulverstone athlete as he prepares to represent Australia at the Youth Commonwealth Games.

Jack Latham, pictured competing in the Seven Mile Beach Triathlon, will race in the Youth Commonwealth Games. Picture: Chris Kidd

Growing up as a ‘clubbie’ in Ulverstone, Jack Latham admitted he hated triathlon when first “dragged along” by his dad.

But it’s definitely been a case of father knows best as the teenager prepares to wear the green and gold at the Youth Commonwealth Games in Trinidad and Tobago.

Latham is still a member of the Ulverstone Surf Lifesaving Club, and said it took a while to catch the triathlon bug when he first switched over aged 13.

But after taking individual and team wins at a Super League event in Singapore a couple of months ago, Latham got the phone call he’d be representing Australia.

“Before triathlon I was a surf lifesaver and still am, then my dad got me into (triathlon) races across the north-west coast,” he said.

“At one stage early on in triathlon I really hated the sport, I just got dragged along by my dad because he was part of the committee.

“As the years went on I got more into it, and when I got my first taste of national racing at Devonport in 2019 I decided I wanted to give the sport a crack.

“When I found out triathlon is more of a global sport, I knew I could travel the world for it and make a good living.

“There’s more boundaries to break than in surf lifesaving, because you can really only do it in Australia. I loved the idea of travelling the world to race.”

Despite Tasmania’s current big chill, Latham’s success in similar conditions in Singapore means he’s confident he can compete well in the West Indies’ stifling humidity.

Ulverstone triathlete Jack Latham has been selected to race in next month's Youth Commonwealth Games. Picture: Bec Ohlwein and David Casalegno

“It was very humid (in Singapore) and although the race was indoors, it was still very hot,” he said.

“My confidence and maturity during racing has got a lot better from Singapore, and I’m very confident coming into this race I can compete in those intense conditions.

“I’ve had previous races on the mainland in places like Queensland where I’ve been able to perform well in the heat.”

Latham feels the shortness of the race - 350m swim, 10km bike and 2.5km run will suit his strengths.

“It’s a very short race so whoever’s tactically smart will be able to perform well on the day,” he said.

“I’d like to think my hopes of winning are just as good as anyone in the race field.”

Latham said he “idolises” fellow Tasmanian triathlete and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Jake Birtwhistle.

Jack Latham (second from right) with his Youth Commonwealth Games teammates. Picture: Instagram

“It’s good to have an athlete like him that’s so nice and willing to talk to you and is so professional,” he said.

“I want to continue the legacy of being a great triathlete from the state.”

After the hard yards are done, Latham is hopeful he can immerse himself into one of the region’s more bizarre traditions.

“Near the beach and finish line there’s a goat racing track, where the locals make their goats race each other along the grass fields for money,” he said.

“I’d like to finish the race and bet on some black goats, which would be pretty cool.”

Latham’s individual race begins at 1am Monday morning, with the relay events to take place early Wednesday morning.