Michelle Cooper, coach at SBR Triathlon Club and Vice President of Triathlon Australia was recently awarded the Start Playing, Stay Playing Excellence Award in the inspiration category.

Presented by the Queensland Minister for Sport, Hon. Mick de Brenni, the award recognises the positive impact of females in Queensland who have gone above and beyond to increase and enhance sport and active recreation opportunities for women and girls in Queensland.

Michelle is a triathlete and has competed at national and international level for about 8 years. With a personal philsophy of inclusivity and a real passion for triathlon, she started her own club and has provided many women (and men) a non-threatening and supportive environment to try our sport.

Michelle said, "as a coach, I get more out of the experience than my athletes realise. It's truly an honour to guide them on their journeys and I am as excited for their achievements as they are."

In her role as coach, mother, advocate and board member, Michelle is the perfect role model for women looking to join our sport and we couldn't be more proud of her dedication.

Congratulations Michelle!