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Hey, Pres! How long have you been a member of Bayside Tri Club and what made you join?

I’m going to say 2003? It all started with a Corporate Triathlon through work. I got hooked, and signing up with Bayside Tri Club felt like the next natural step. It’s been one of my best decisions ever.

What do you particularly like about our club?

The club is full of awesome humans, all with different levels of triathlon ability. The camaraderie, encouragement, support, and friendships are second to none. I get this warm, fuzzy feeling seeing BTCers smash their first triathlon, come back stronger after setbacks, or even compete on the world stage at Kona or Age Group Worlds. Training with BTC members is genuinely one of the highlights of my day.

Aww. And why did you take on being President of BTC?

It felt like it was time to give back. I joined the committee as Secretary in 2022/23, serving what I like to call an internship under Chris Dunn, and then took on the role of President. I’m not super comfortable with the ‘President’ title because it’s really the whole committee that makes things happen.

BTC has been a huge support for me, especially during a rough patch in 2015 and through Covid. My BTC buddies and Clint helped keep me sane—so this is my way of saying thanks.

What sports did you do growing up?

I tried a bit of everything, including most ball sports, but karate won out during my teens. Later, in my 20s, I got into Muay Thai (Thai boxing), but let’s just say it’s not the most sustainable hobby long-term.

Do you have a PhD like half of BTC seems to?!

Ha! No, I’m not academically gifted. Just your standard bachelor’s degree here.

Which distance(s) triathlons have you done?

Sprint, Olympic/Standard, Half, and one full Ironman in Busselton (2016). The Olympic distance is my favourite – it’s the sweet spot!

What are your pbs?

I’m not the fastest, but every triathlete loves a good Strava flex!
• Ironman Busselton: 11:03:05
• Noosa Olympic: 2:14:21

What sporting achievements are you most proud of?

Representing Team Australia in the green and gold at the World Age Group Championships (Olympic distance) in Auckland 2012 was incredible. My cousin Ray Joy and I both raced, and it was a huge bonus having a bunch of BTCers there too. A highlight was watching Hayley Gniel crush it with a podium finish in the Sprint.
I strongly encourage everyone to have a crack at representing Australia (or your respective country). Check out how to qualify here: https://www.triathlon.org.au/austeams/agegroup/

You’re a huge fan of regional races, aren’t you?

Absolutely! While we’re blessed to have the 2XU series on our doorstep, my favourite triathlons are the ‘away games.’ It’s not just about the destination (though Noosa is hard to beat); it’s the road trips with like-minded buddies, indulging in swim/bike/run.

Earlier this year, I raced in Darwin, ticking off an Olympic-distance triathlon in every state and territory. Some of my favourite race spots include Echuca/Moama (Sprint Saturday night and 3k swim Sunday), Bridgewater, Barwon Heads, Busselton (last ever jetty swim!), Cronulla, Victor Harbor, and of course, Noosa.

What are your race aspirations?

I am back on the campaign trail to qualify for World Age Group Championships in Wollongong 2025 😊 Qualifying races are held across the states, so it’s the perfect excuse to travel and race!

What’s your spirit animal and why?

No spirit animal, but we do have a chocolate Labrador named Coco. She’s got this uncanny ability to communicate with her eyes. (Usually begging for food…and yes, I’m a total soft touch.)

What would you sing at a karaoke night?

Nope, no singing voice here – spare everyone’s ears!

Who would play you in a movie?

I’ll go with Clint Eastwood. Dirty Harry vibes…but with a TT bike.

Ha ha, yes I can see that! What superpower would you like to have?

The ability to swim, bike, and run faster than anyone on Club Champs Day!

Competitive, much 😊 What else do you do for fun (apart from triathlon)?

Family time is big for us. We love getting away for water skiing or surfing. The Rowland crew includes Wendy, Addison, Ethan, Jemima, and, of course, Coco.

Where have you surfed & where is your favourite surf spot?

Pambula Beach, NSW, hands down. Our kids grew up learning to surf there over Easter. It’s our ‘happy place.’ Other favourites include Shoreham/Pines, Noosa’s Tea Tree, ‘The Pass’ at Byron Bay, and, for a bit of fear factor, Uluwatu in Indonesia.

What work do you do?

My day job has always been IT infrastructure-related. Lately, I’ve been working in project management for a large telco.

Who’s your greatest supporter?

That would be Wendy. She’s been my rock, encouraging me to chase my triathlon dreams and turning a blind eye to the occasional N+1 bike purchase.

😊 Who’s your greatest competitor?

Cuz Ray Joy. Racing and training with him always gets the competitive juices flowing, though I’ve yet to beat him. My chance will come…maybe after he loses a leg or two.

Lol. Well let’s hope that doesn’t happen to cuz Ray! Have you had a tri-related accident?

Well, during the Bright Camp, my bike ended up lodged in a tree. But hey, what happens at Bright stays at Bright! 😉

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

From Clint Eastwood himself: “Don’t let the old man in.”

Which age group are you in for triathlon, old man? 😉

55-59. Surely, I’m still 45-49? My head says yes; my body after a triathlon says no.

What’s your hidden talent?

I’m a handy water-skier: slalom, tricks, barefoot…even a little wakeboarding.

Impressive! What else should we know about you?

Genetically speaking, my grandfather on Mum’s side was half-Japanese; his father originated from Yokohama, Japan. So, does that make me 1/8 Toyota?

Ha! Maybe. Thanks for sharing, Adam—you’re a legend! A literal Noosa Legend – congratulations on receiving that award in November too!

January 9, 2025

Member Spotlight - Adam Rowland