Congratulations to the winners and nominees of the 2018 FIT Awards.

Coach of the year: Cath Spratley for re-energising and re-invigorating the swimming programs on offer. She developed ‘swim long’ to encourage more swimmers to engage actively in this discipline and introduced regular lake swimming throughout summer. She also works tirelessly with the WTTP programme – both swimming and cycling – and is a regular at cycling sessions, imparting her experience and technical knowledge to support others.

Volunteer of the year: Deb Wilkinson for her tireless work behind the scenes. Many people don’t see everything Deb does for FIT – let’s face it, most of us would feel exhausted just thinking of half the stuff she does! – but we have all benefitted from Deb’s involvement in some way. Deb keeps all of the wheels in motion – committee, events, social media, website, membership, celebrations – none of this would happen without her.

Personal Achievement: Liz Lowe for completing her first Ironman this year and for her achievements at the Newcrest Challenge 170km. The dedication and training involved in preparing for an ironman is immense, not to mention the mental and emotional fortitude required to prepare for and complete such a gruelling event. Liz does it all with good cheer and a quiet commitment – then backed it up with the Sri Chinmoy Triple Tri.

Special Thanks: Leanne Haughton for raising the bar on FIT communications and social media during her time as Communications Co-ordinator. She has really ramped up our presence and left big shoes to fill.

Nominees: The selection sub-subcommittee had a difficult task, with nominations for each award being received for the following FIT members

Coach of the Year: 

Beth Peedom for her continued commitment to the Rookie Running program and coaching running and cycling through winter. She backed up by helping with WTTP again this year. She is a true champion of FIT, ensuring the women she coaches continue to come back and find their place in FIT.

Simone Annis is a quiet achiever but can always be found coaching one discipline or other, often putting others before herself.

Jo Hall for the her efforts in planning and coaching the new Rookie Trail Running program this year. The program was thorough, clear and very effective. In addition Jo gave advice about stability training and stretching, which was invaluable. Her short video clips showed exactly what was required to build our strength and stability. Her weekly updates were supportive and encouraging and kept us getting to the Arboretum hills – well most Thursdays! Each session Jo would keep up the encouragement and advice and make the session fun – well, almost! Thanks Jo for a great program and for putting trail running well and truly on the FIT map.

Tash Royal did an excellent job with everything to do with triathlon this year, including her role as lead running coach for WTTP and taking a lead role in organising the next steps and FIT2Sprint program.

Di Evans for going out of her way to be welcoming and supportive of all comers. She often had time for one-on-one discussions with many of the people she coached and often puts others well ahead of herself.

Volunteer of the Year: 

Beth Peedom coaches cycling and running throughout the year and is particularly supportive of the rookie and novice programs in both disciplines. She is always willing to bring out the kayak for lake swimming sessions and is incredibly supportive and encouraging in her quiet, gentle manner.

Phyl Crawford is a stalwart of the 6.15 Novice coached cycling sessions of a Friday morning. She is rostered on regularly, and often provides backup or additional support for other rostered coaches. Phyl’s commitment to developing the entry-level rider is unfailing, helping them develop a good foundation (and strong power position!). In 2018, Phyl was also the lead coach for the Rookie cycling program.

Sue Lyons for the fabulous job she does as President. Sue is the perfect president, wise, caring, always diplomatic and professional.

Andrea McDonald is a tireless supporter of FIT and contributes in lots of ways. She is always supportive of new and slow runners. She continues to be an active FIT participant and recently completed Rookie Trailrunning program.

Tamzen Armer was Jo Hall’s second in command and a fantastic support with the Rookie Trailrunning program. She was relentless in encouraging us to get up those hills and in setting a wonderful example of the results you can achieve when you are committed to your training. Tamzen is always calm and collected, but also fun – and she seems to make even the most reluctant runners feel that it is really quite ok and even enjoyable to be running up hills at 6am.

Chel Haynes  is the epitome of a volunteer who has gone over and beyond in her role as a committee member. As well as being the coaching co-ordinator, Chel makes sure she is aware of what activities members are doing each week as part of their training. She makes contact with people regularly, to check in on their training and any injuries or concerns they may have. For most local events, even if not competing herself, Chel attends to support and cheer everyone on. She is always willing to help, offer advice or take you through a warm up drill. Chel follows up afterwards to find out how your recovery is going. Chel is always positive and upbeat, and a great example of what a volunteer looks like.

Personal Achievement: 

Robyn McClelland was a star at the World Tri Championships at the Gold Coast with a 9th place in the Tri Sprint and 14th in the Standard distance. This is a remarkable feat of endurance and stamina, which Robyn achieved because of her commitment to her sport over many years, and some determined training towards this event. In addition, Robyn has been a keen supporter of Triathlon ACT as both an athlete and board member. In past years she has repeatedly placed 1, 2, or 3 for the Triathlete of the Year in her age group at the Triathlon ACT awards. Robyn is also a long time member of FIT. She is always encouraging and supportive of other members of FIT and on the journey she shared with a number of the FIT women training for the ITU Age Group World Championships this year she happily shared our ups and downs, gave advice and encouragement and cheered each our results. I will always admire and be influenced by Robyn’s generosity, encouragement and wonderful example of a lifetime of sporting commitment.

Tash Royal has overcome a severe plantar injury to return back to Half Ironman status with a PB. Along the journey she varied her training with FIT water running sessions, leading to a true testimony that Water Running is a great rehab tool. She acquired Level 2 Run Coach status to further give back to our club. She supported the FIT athletes at the World Tri Championships on the Gold Coast and she continues to work, coach at another club and manage a house full of kids. Tash has once again lead WTTP running, while in heavy training mode and then raced at Shepparton 11 Nov with a 10min PB. Tash is a true example of a Master Woman Amateur Athlete, doing what she loves, and giving everything she has. Thankyou for being an inspiration.

Kerren Crosthwaite for her first 100km. What an amazing runner!

Alison Britton has really committed to cycling in 2018, having learnt the basics of bunch skills through the WTTP in 2017. With a determined attitude, she has overcome her nervousness in the group and has been a regular attendee at weekday and Sunday rides. In 2018, she trained consistently (and across winter) which enabled her to successfully and safely complete the MS Sydney to the Gong, a long and hilly ride (with 10,000 others!).

Fee McLean had a fantastic 2017-18 triathlon season. She performed strongly in both triathlons and aquathons, which culminated in her being the overall winner in her age group at the 2018 TACT awards. Fee balanced her training with her family and work commitments. It’s obvious that her commitment to FIT and to triathlon is having a wonderfully positive impact on her 3 year old daughter, who will often role play the scenario of “going for a run and then having breakfast”. As well as undertaking her own training, Fee is completing the Foundation Triathlon Coaching course, and is a friendly and encouraging presence at many FIT sessions.

Jean Chesson competed in a few triathlons when she first joined FIT before turning her focus to distance running – half marathons initially – but it wasn’t too long until she was seduced into running her first marathon – Paris no less! Jean then became a trail running enthusiast and the natural progression was to tackle a trail ultra marathon. She successfully completed the Northface 50 a few years ago. A new challenge was required and last year, Jean identified the World Championship Triathlon competition on the Gold Coast in 2018 as her next goal. Jean set about qualifying to earn herself a place in the Australian 65+ age group team. With her trademark determination, Jean followed the robust training regime set by her coach and in September, represented Australia with great pride, surpassing her own expectations and exemplifying the spirit of FIT.