Triathlon Australia is deeply saddened by the passing of Phil Coles AM, Patron of Triathlon Australia.  

A distinguished Australian representative and three-time Olympian (canoe sprint), International Olympic Committee (IOC) Honorary Member, Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) Life Member and Honorary Member of the International Triathlon Union (ITU). 

Triathlon join the Olympic community in mourning his passing and express our gratitude to Phil Coles AM for his incredible legacy. 

Coles was a proud advocate for triathlon and triathletes in our sport’s early years and a devoted contributor to sport at all levels and the Olympic movement. 

As Vice-President and Director of the Organising Committee for the Olympics Games Sydney 2000, Coles was instrumental in bringing the Olympic Games to Australia and for triathlon’s Olympic Debut and inclusion at the Sydney 2000 Games.  

In recognition of his importance in the development of triathlon and the sport’s Olympic journey, Coles became TA Patron in September 1993.   

We are honoured to have had Phil Coles AM as TA Patron for 30 years and are immensely grateful for his contribution and involvement in triathlon’s advancement. 

Coles has been honoured by the AOC, and the IOC with the Olympic flag to be flown at half-mast at Olympic House in Lausanne for three days.