There were three Paralympic dreams realized after the 2016 Penrith ITU World Paratriathlon – ticking the box in winning their categories Kate Doughty (PT4), Bill Chaffey (PT1), and second for Brant Garvey (PT2) saw him join the club that will be nominated to the Australian Paralympic Committee.

Image: Jeff Ackers

It was a medal haul for Jaz Hedgeland (WA) and Matt Roberts (QLD) when they won the OTU Sprint Triathlon Oceania Champs at Penrith. In winning they both were crowned Oceania and Australian Elite and Under 23 champions. Making for much heavier suitcases heading home to now concentrate on the World Championships in Cozumel this September.

The Noumea Triathlon has attracted Aussies for the past 20 plus years to head to the capital of the New Caledonia, Noumea. In 2016 there were more names added to it’s wonderful history – Sam Betten won with Peter Kerr grabbing bronze. Triathlon Australia board member Sarah Crowley completed the medal sweep with a silver.

Peter Kerr ‏@petekerr_  17m17 minutes ago No legs, a penalty and a rather warm day out for 3rd at ‪#BNCbuzz Noumea Triathlon. Always a good weekend hit out. ‪@SamBetten too good today!

As it warms up in the Northern Hemisphere and the racing is ramping up two Aussies raced the famed St Anthony’s Triathlon. Mirinda Carfrae finished a very creditable fourth over the Standard (Olympic) distance and Sam Appleton in eighth. Not too shabby for the long course specialists.

The third leg of the WTS Series in Cape Town was not the day Olympic bronze medallist Erin Densham was hoping for as she continues her quest for another campaign. As she did at the Gold Coast round Densham put herself amongst the front pack in the swim and bike but right now it’s her run that is letting her down. She is a fighter and will keep working to find it.

Image: Delly Carr