Canowindra’s Sally Wallace and Julie Middleton have arrived back home after competing at the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final on the Gold Coast last week.
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Sally competed in both the standard and sprint distance in the 65-69 age group, finishing 24th and 25th respectively.
She also had personal bests in each race.
She said it was a great experience.
“I was ecstatic to wear the green and gold, my family could come and watch some of it,” she said.
“I really value the support of my friends and family and everyone involved, without them I couldn’t keep going.”
READ MORE: Sally Wallace’s top 10 finish
Julie finished 33rd in the sprint triathlon, in her age group, 55-59 years.
The sprint triathlon involved a 750m swim, a 20km bike ride and a 5km run.
“I had a fantastic time,” Julie said.
“The para-triathletes and elite triathletes were also there, it was the most amazing thing getting to watch them compete.”
Julie said the championships felt more like a country interclub meet.
“I had so much fun, we got to meet lots of different athletes, lots of the USA and Mexico and they were very friendly,” she said.
“Everyone was helping each other.”
READ MORE: Triathletes conquer Port Macquarie event
Sally qualified for Worlds after a sprint race at Huskisson and two standard races in Canberra and Coffs Harbour.
She said this is her fourth year competing in triathlon.
“I’ve always ridden a bike,” she said.
“I had an accident and wanted to get fit again and my two sons were doing triathlon.
For Julie, this is her 5th year of competing in triathlons, saying it was something she had always wanted to do.
“I thought I was too old but it was a bucket list thing,” she said.
The two ladies train in Orange with Barnyard under coach Dan Benton.
“Once I started, I fell in love with it,” Julie said.
“I love training, I love competitive sport, love being in a training squad. I compete for the Orange Piranhas, it’s all about the friendships and being with likeminded people, I really enjoy the whole sense of community.
“Initially, it was a challenge, then I did one and I wanted to get better. You can get very embroiled in it.”
Sally said competing in triathlons gives her a sense of achievement.
“It’s the camaraderie, keeping fit, I enjoy being outside and the people involved,” Sally said.