Triathlon Queensland State Development Camp

The TQ Development Squad. Where's Wally?

Over the past weekend I was lucky enough to attend the Triathlon Queensland State Development Camp and what a weekend it was! Action packed with mini races, skill work, inspirational speeches from incredible professional athletes and the occasional game of cards.

 

The camp was held at Runaway Bay Sports Centre, Gold Coast and there were approximately 100 athletes (13-18yo) attending. This camp for me was a good indicator to see how I am progressing and where I stand in comparison to my competition. It was great to be commended by other coaches on how well I did the bike and run legs and I soon built a good reputation in the camp as 'that fast chick on the bike, according to the youth athletes.

 

However, the parts that I took away most were from listening to the professional athletes such as Sam Betten (Ironman and Triathlon Long Course Champion), Steve Rooney (Time Trial champion), John Wayne Parr (10 time Thai Boxing World Champion) and (World U23 Duathlon Champion and former Vision Tri Club athlete) Gillian Backhause. They spoke passionately about education, what it means to be a professional athlete, overcoming disappointments and how to get sponsors. The thing I learnt most was that you need to create a good support network. Luckily, I already have the fantastic coaches at Vision Tri Club behind me 100%, but this camp helped me to extend my network and connect with other athletes and coaches. I built a good reputation which hopefully will help me later in life with sponsors and ambassadorships.

 

I loved the amazing support I got from my fellow junior Vision athletes. We worked together, supported each other, and motivated each other to do better. I think it really showed to whoever was watching and my coaches were very pleased with the way we displayed such professionalism and maturity.

 

I am so motivated now, race season is just around the corner! In two weeks I will be competing in the ITU Junior Moreton Bay Sprint Weekend and then a week after that I will be travelling to Adelaide to compete in the Australian National Duathlon Championship. So pumped to get out and show my skills. The hard work and long hours are starting to pay off.

 

I would like to thank Triathlon QLD for organising that fantastic camp. I will definitely be attending next year! Also thankyou to all the technical officials, coaches and the Vision Tri Club. Lastly, an extended thankyou to Steve Rooney, Gillian Backhause and Sam Betten for taking the time to talk to me afterwards, your words of wisdom were much appreciated!        

The Vision Crew with World U23 Champion Gillian Backhause. Me on the left kneeling.