Nunawading Triathlon Club has a long and
distinguished history.
Nunawading Triathlon Club was formed in 1990
as the sport of triathlon was emerging as a popular source
of fitness and competitive sport. Over the years, membership
numbers have fluctuated, peaking at around 150 in the mid
'90s. With a number of members retiring from the sport,
and others moving out of the area, club numbers dropped
off somewhat before steps were taken in 2000 to rebuild
NTC to its earlier strength.
In October 2000, the club conducted its first
Get Into Triathlon (GIT) program to introduce budding triathletes
to the sport. Participation exceeded all expectations, with
many applicants having to be turned away. Coupled with the
exposure gained from the Sydney Olympic Games, the GIT program
served to introduce a number of new members to the club.
Whilst numbers at the 2001 edition of GIT were more manageable,
a further influx saw the club grow further.
Membership has now stabilised at around 85,
with 100 considered an optimum number to ensure the club
is large enough to maintain its profile, whilst being small
enough to nurture a club and team atmosphere.
Over the years, NTC has been represented
by all standards of triathletes, from the beginner to those
who have represented Australia in World Championships, and
all those in between. Our members participate in events
throughout metropolitan Melbourne and country Victoria and
some frequently travel interstate to compete. NTC is regularly
represented on the podium of some of the more popular races
in Melbourne, a testimony to the growing strength of the
club, and the standard of triathlete we are able to attract.
This season has seen a number of stand-out
performances of some of the club's members. Rohan Ware,
Rod Clarke & Celine Hepworth all qualified and will
be attending this years Triathlon World Championships in
New Zealand competing in their respective age groups. Brooke
Condon also became National Duathlon Champion in her age
group qualifying her for the World Championships in Switzerland.
Newer entrants to the sport usually start
with the shorter races which may take less than 30 minutes,
and most progress through to longer races, with the Olympic
Distance of 1.5km / 40km / 10km seen as being a seriously
challenging milestone. Then there are those who thrive on
the challenge of the Ironman distance, and NTC has a growing
group that travels to Forster each year for the Ironman
Australia Triathlon.
Full details of training sessions and other
club particulars can be obtained from our website at www.nunatriclub.com
or from any member of the committee.