Craig Redman, a man who has been synonymous with the sport of triathlon in Australia for the past 30 years, is moving on.

Triathlon Australia has reluctantly accepted Redman’s resignation from one of its longest serving and popular High Performance figures.

Redman has resigned his busy post as National Manager, High Performance Pathway to spend more time at home with his wife Jenni and family who are looking to pursue business opportunities outside of sport.

Redman has been the backbone of Triathlon Australia in the High Performance and Junior Development space for over a decade after a celebrated career as an athlete and coach.

The governing body’s School and Junior programs are what they are today because of Craig’s commitment, drive, passion, hard work and dedication.

Triathlon Australia CEO, Miles Stewart, paid tribute to Redman, saying: “Craig has had an amazing impact on the sport and will leave huge shoes to fill.

“His total involvement in Triathlon over the last 30 years, from being an Elite athlete, to Age Group champion to coach and administrator in the HP space, Craig has certainly left its mark.

“On behalf of everyone in Triathlon we wish him well in his future endeavours.”

Redman, a proud Australian and equally proud Tasmanian is synonymous with the Devonport

Triathlon which has been a historically significant race and according to incoming National Performance Director Ben Gathercole, “The most important is it introduced a young Craig Redman to our sport and thus one of the true greats of our sport was found.”

“Craig has been the key stone to the High Performance program and an intricate part of making triathlon what it is today in Australia,” said Gathercole.

“Craig's value and contribution to junior development in our sport is second to none, but more importantly we have been the bench mark world wide for pathways and development because of Craig.

“His input and development of our Paratri program was instrumental to the success of our first Paratri gold medal in Rio. 

“Without his deep knowledge and passion the Paratri program would not have been as successful as it has been.”

Redman said his decision was not taken lightly. 

“I wish to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has contributed in some way over the past 10 years. I am truly thankful to Triathlon Australia for the opportunity,” Redman said.

“During my time with TA I have worked with four Presidents, three CEO’s and now four National Performance Directors along with numerous TA board members, TA staff and state ED’s & state staff/board members. 

“I am extremely proud of the projects and programs we delivered as a team to support our future elite athletes. 

“Totally re-writing and re-structuring the National Coach Education curriculum (the first coach education program to be endorsed and accredited by the ITU in 2008) and establishing the National Talent Academy including Young Guns International tours are the highlights. 

“The National Development Camps, Super Sprint Race Weekend concept, AUS Youth Triathlon Championships and the Australian Youth, Junior & U23 Triathlon Series are also legacies I am proud of. 

“Indeed, the recent signing of the MOU with School Sport Australia and the move towards the new Australian Schools Triathlon Festival as well as Paratriathlon debut in Rio are also exciting highlights.”

Triathlon has been a massive part of Redman’s life for over 30 years. 

As a 17 year old in 1985, the champion Ulverstone surf lifesaver contested the inaugural Devonport Triathlon.

He immediately fell in love with the sport, its challenges and the people. 

At a club, State, National and International level he has have been an athlete, coach, manager, coach educator, facilitator, athlete and coach mentor, race director, technical official, volunteer and State and club board member. 

“The opportunities as an athlete and coach and later as a senior national manager with TA has given me the most amazing highs and some of the deepest lows – exactly how elite sport should be,” said Redman. 

“I will forever be grateful for triathlon, the amazing opportunities and the people I have met along what has been a truly amazing journey.”