Triathlon NZ today took a significant step towards continuing their strong performances at Olympic Games and major championships, inducting 30 athletes into the sports High Performance Programme with London 2012 and the 2016 Olympics high on the list of priorities.
The athletes were each presented with a greenstone pounamu to mark their inclusion in the programme. The pounamu presented were the Hei matau (fish hook) for men representing strength, determination, good health and safe journey. And the triple twist for women representing a bonding of friendship, growth and eternity.
By way of stringent testing and criteria, each athlete inducted today is categorized as being a medal contender for 2012 or 2016 Olympic Games. The newly designed programme is looking to build on the sports recent history that has delivered 3 Olympic medals, 4 Commonwealth medals and 11 World Championship medals over the past 7 years.
Before the presentations athletes were addressed by Triathlon legend and multiple world champion Rick Wells, two time Olympic medalist Bevan Docherty and current world number 5 Debbie Tanner.
Each spoke from experience as to the commitment, dedication and sacrifice required to reach the top with Wells dwelling on the traditions in the sport that he was a pioneer in shaping.
"I guess I am the history part of today and you guys are the future. I remember one of my early events we biked first then swam and finished with a run. On the bike there was a group up the road and my coach decided we had to move or risk being lapped out so my first experience of drafting was behind a Falcon 500! The swim sorted a few out but I struggled on the run to finish 7th or 8th.
"Things have changed immeasurably since then of course and I experienced so many highs and great times. But it all came about through hard work and focus. My advice to you all today is to race for the right reason, don't get hooked up on the money or whether you are wearing the right gear. Race because you want to beat the guy or girl next to you. If you want to stand out, start winning, winning makes you different."
Recently appointed Tri NZ National Coach Greg Fraine also addressed the athletes and spoke of the responsibility that comes with inclusion in such a focused programme.
"All of you here today have earned your status as members of our High Performance programmes. You have already made sacrifices and worked hard just to be considered as one of the sports elites.
"But the toughest part is only now beginning. With your inclusion in these squads comes a responsibility. First and foremost to yourselves to continue improving, to strive for excellence in everything you do. But there is also a responsibility to the sport, the history and tradition and athletes that have gone before you, some of whom you have heard about and from today.
"This programme is not a cushy number designed to pay the bills, it is not the end goal. This programme is about performance, maintaining standards and reaching our targets at major events and championships, the ultimate being the Olympic Games."
Triathlon NZ CEO Dave Beeche addressed the athletes on expectations 'off the park' and the values that each must commit to.
"What you must all never lose sight of is that you are the chosen few, the minority who sit atop a pyramid that beneath you has the fastest growing participation rate of any sport in New Zealand. You have earned that right through your hard work and results but you must also work hard to stay there, today is the start.
"The athletes who have gone before and who are leading you today have set a high benchmark on and off the 'race track'. Rick Wells, Erin Baker, Hamish Carter and our current crop of world leading stars are not only superb athletes but good people who understand the value of their image and reputation in a competitive sporting market.
"Your induction today means a considerable investment from Tri NZ in your futures. You can fulfill your part of that partnership through your performances but also your behaviour and commitment to the sport and community at large."
Beeche also acknowledged the support of key commercial partner Contact and government agency SPARC, without whose support such a detailed High Performance Plan would not be possible.
"Such a plan has taken months of preparation and investigation to get what we think is best to prepare our athletes for success on the world stage. Such a plan is reliant on the funding available. It is only through the support of Contact and our other commercial partners and in particular SPARC funding that we can commit to the plan and to the athletes as we have today."
The final word was left to two time Olympic Games medalist Bevan Docherty, someone who is known for speaking his mind and has ‘done the hard yards' in reaching the top of the sport.
"Don't slap yourselves on the back today; don't think you have made it. Making it is winning on the world stage, making it is winning an Olympic medal and even then having a burning desire to go better, to win gold.
"The programme you will be a part of is great but frankly all the money and support in the world won't make any difference to your chances of success if you don't have the desire and the work ethic to get the best out of yourself. Work hard, be honest with yourself and those around you and you will get the rewards."
Athletes will receive funding and support at all levels from sports science to coaching to mentoring as they continue towards their respective goals. This includes access to Tri NZ high performance training venues in America and Europe, bases that will be used to launch training and racing programmes for the athletes.
The groups are however performance based and subject to change with the opportunity for others to force their way in and equally for athletes to be replaced should their performances and/or results not be good enough.
Triathlon New Zealand High Performance Squads
2012 Medal Group
- Bevan Docherty (Taupo)
- Kris Gemmell (Palmerston North)
- Sam Warriner (Whangarei)
- Andrea Hewitt (Christchurch)
- Debbie Tanner (Auckland)
2012 Potential Group
- Ryan Sissons (Auckland)
- Clark Ellice (New Plymouth)
- Martin van Barneveld (Wellington)
- Tony Dodds (Wanaka)
- Graham O'Grady (Hamilton)
- Kate McIlroy (Wellington)
- James Elvery (Auckland)
- Rebecca Spence (Auckland)
- Callum Millward (Auckland)
- Nicky Samuels (Wanaka)
2016 Development Group
- Jos Hoetjes (Christchurch)
- Tom Davison
- Michael Poole
- Edward Rawles
- Rebecca Kingsford
- Teresa Adam
- Sophie Corbridge
- William Curtayne
- Andrew Curtayne
- Ben Visser
Long Course Group
- Cameron Brown (Auckland)
- Joanna Lawn (Auckland)
- Gina Ferguson (Christchurch)
- Terenzo Bozzone (Auckland)
