Tristan, how and when did you get into triathlon?
Around age ten – I started running with my dad, then six months later I started coming to some of the Bayside Tri Club Tuesday night track sessions. I decided I wanted to make the School Sport Victoria (SSV) Triathlon team, which I did at age 13.
Cool, so what are your triathlon aspirations?
To race the World Triathlon Series (WTS). I’d need to get some continental cups/podiums to get into the World Cup, and from there to the WTS.
What’s your spirit animal and why?
[Looks at interviewer as if she’s bonkers] Um, I have no idea. Maybe a lion? Lion’s are cool. His friends later decide he should be a gazelle.
What triathlon achievement are you most proud of?
Coming third at Junior Nationals (sprint triathlon) 2023, in Adelaide.
Pretty awesome. If you weren’t doing triathlon what would you be doing?
Cycling. The bike’s my best leg of the triathlon.
Not basketball? How tall are you?
6 foot 2. My brother does basketball.
And how old are you?
19. I mean 20! I just had my birthday so I’m getting used to saying 20.
What are your best times for a sprint tri?
53 minutes. Swim 8:40 for 750m, bike 27:50 for 20km and run 15:35 for 5km. I really want to get my run below 15 minutes.
I can only dream. What’s your favourite race?
Port Douglas Olympic triathlon – the water’s so nice.
Hmm, except for the crocs. Who’s your favourite triathlete?
Alistair Brownlee.
Why not Jonathan Brownlee?
[Smiles] Alistair wins more.
What would you sing at a karaoke night?
Something by Bon Jovi probably. Living on a Prayer?
Oo, and me. Who would you swap places with for a day?
Steph Curry (point guard for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association)
Have you ever messed up in a race?
Yes! I forgot to wear my timing chip once. Luckily, they still took my timings from the photos.
Doh. What’s your favourite movie/TV show?
Fresh Prince of Bel Air
Oh I love that show. The OG version of course? So what’s your aspirational race?
Noosa Olympic Triathlon. Oh, and the Kona/Nice World Championships.
Have you ever raced long course?
I was going to do Melbourne Ironman 70.3 in November 2023, but I was knocked off my bike and broke my wrist and elbow – I was out for eight weeks.
Ouch! I hope you’ve recovered! Was the bike okay! Did you stop your Garmin?
What bike do you ride?
Specialized Tarmac.
Noice! What’s next for you?
My next sprint races are Devonport (Tassie) and Subic Bay (Philippines). I’m still at Uni doing accounting – I was at RMIT for two years but I’ve moved to Griffiths in the Gold Coast so I can attend the Queensland Institute of Sport. I got categorised recently, as an ‘emerging athlete’.
Oo, best of luck and thanks for being a part of Bayside Tri Club! It’s been great seeing your triathlon career evolve. To finish off, is there anyone you’d like to give a shout out to?
Mum and Dad – for being there for everything.
Aww, sweet. Now are there any of those doughnuts left?
