Chris, how long have you been a member of Bayside Tri Club?
Since I moved down from Sydney in 2010 – so for 14 years. I was a committee member from 2013-2017 and then took up the President role from 2020-2023.
Thank you for your service! And now you've been awarded Lifetime Membership you'll never get away from us. A bit like Tom Cruise in 'The Firm' some might say.
So what do you particularly like about Bayside Tri Club?
No dickheads springs to mind, with a great mix of members – from those who grace the podium to those who just have fun.
Yes, we’re fond of our no dickhead policy. What was your first ever Tri?
Brighton 23 November 1997. Drowned in the swim, suffered on the bike and walked the run – second last from memory, hated it and swore never to race again. Came 66th in Age Group.
Ha! Yet you came back for more. Which distances have you competed in?
Sprint, Olympic, Long Course, 70.3 (x6) and Ironman (x4). I think I’m fastest at the long stuff but prefer the short stuff.
For sure; short course hurts for a shorter amount of time! How did you do in short course?
I won the 2012 Gatorade and Active Series, then a bunch of podiums for various races and series over the years.
Impressive. How about Ironman – what’s your pb?
Busso Ironman:
• Swim – 1:05:44, 389th overall and 43rd in age group
• Bike – 5:14, 186th overall and 17th in age group
• Run – 3:11.15, 21st overall, fastest in age group
• Overall – 9:37:51, 77th overall and 5th in my category.
Wow, speedy. And you qualified for Kona too. How did you do over on the big Island?
Hawaii Ironman:
• Swim – 1:15:44, 1,199 overall, 64th in age group
• Bike – 5:25, 890 overall and 53rd in age group
• Run – 3:17, fastest in age group
• Overall – 10:09:21, 14th in age group, 542 overall.
So you’re clearly a gun on the run! Amazing times. What’s your standalone mara pb?
Melbourne 2012 – 2:56:01, 5th in Age Group, 136 overall.
Doubly impressive! Did you run a lot growing up?
I actually spend most of my youth sailing initially in dinghies then ocean racing.
Ah! Well which sporting achievements are you most proud of?
Has to be Hawaii – the whole journey and experience. Outside of Tri and Marathons, 7 x Sydney to Hobarts, One West Coaster (Melbourne to Hobart), Clipper Cup Series in Hawaii and Brisbane Gladstone Race in sailing.
An accomplished sailor too!
What would your spirit animal be?
I have no idea what a spirit animal is.
Well that question bombed, lol. Let’s try your favourite music?
Moby – call me old.
Are you old? Which age group do you compete in?
60-64 don’t laugh.
[Trying to keep a straight face]
What are your race aspirations as you enter your ‘later years’? 😉
Never do another Ironman – true commitment.
Very wise. They sound like an awful lot of hard work.
What’s your biggest stuff up while racing?
Sydney has the Kurnell Sprint Series. During one race I jumped off the bike, racked it, took the helmet off, put on a hat and ran. 500m later realised that I had forgotten to put on my shoes.
Doh!
And did I mention my dismounts? There is footage 😊
Ha ha, yes there is! I’ve seen it.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
My coach who took me to my first Ironman, Oscar Carlson, used to say: "the swim's a warm-up, the bike will make you, the run will break you. Run scared".
What advice would you give to newbies in the club?
Reach out, everybody’s friendly, find a training buddy and just get involved.
How did you feel about your Lifetime Membership award?
Absolutely honoured. I know how rarely it is given and who it has been given to over the years.
Very well deserved too. What else do you do for fun (apart from triathlon)?
Did I mention wine?
Ah, well just as well we gave you some wine with your Lifetime Membership Award.
What else should we know about you?
Did I mention we’re in our 24th home? We’ve lived in Wellington, Sydney (x2), Palmerston North (NZ) and Boise, Idaho.
That’s bonkers! Any other hidden talents apart from triathlon, sailing, moving house and drinking wine?
I have the skinniest ankles, ever!
[Tries to sneak a peek]. Lastly, anyone you’d like to give a shout out to?
Everyone who turns up Tuesday night and Saturday morning for the runs and rides. Always better to share this selfish sport with others. Also Penny, my greatest supporter.
Thanks Chris, and congrats again 😊
