Hey Kurt, thanks for speaking to me for your Member Spotlight! How long have you been a member of Bayside Tri Club and what made you join?
Well, I started with some training sessions here and there in late 2022 and it’s blossomed from there. I think I became an official member in late 2023.
Glad we snagged you in the end! What do you like about Bayside Tri Club?
I enjoy the community and support of the others. It makes training a lot easier when you have a good group around you. I’ve made some good friends too!
What distance triathlons have you tackled previously?
I’ve done some sprints and a few Olympic distances too.
And now you’re jumping up to your first 70.3, this November?
I honestly never thought I’d do a 70.3! I did Noosa last year with a couple of friends and we got very excited on the trip, and we all signed up for Geelong 70.3 in March 2024.
Ha ha – post-race euphoria makes one do all sorts of silly things!
So, what happened to Geelong 70.3 – I didn’t see you there?
Unfortunately, I got plantar fasciitis and had to postpone, and the only alternative was the hometown race, Melbourne!
Doh. How are you feeling about your 70.3 debut?!
I’d just like to finish Melbourne 70.3 comfortably and have a good day out there. Coming back from plantar fasciitis, my run isn't really where I want it to be and I’ve never been that strong on the bike, so there’s a bit getting me nervous. I’ve been really happy with how my swimming endurance has developed though. But really, the sun will probably be the biggest challenge due to my fair complexion!
Zinc is your friend, my friend.
What are your future race aspirations?
One day, I would absolutely love to race a 70.3 in Switzerland which is where my father was born. Might need a few extra hill repeats before that one though.
Ha ha, definitely! You’ll have to live in the Nongs for a couple of months beforehand.
What sporting achievements are you most proud of?
I must say, I always try to feel proud when crossing the finish line of any race, even if I think it wasn’t a good day. My first 5km fun run I ever did in 2018 was really special as I had never really done any running, and I had been raising funds for Beyond Blue after losing 2 friends earlier that year.
Aww, very sorry to hear that, Kurt. Well done for raising money for a great charity.
What support would you like from people at BTC for your 70.3?
I think BTC provides great support if you seek it. My work hours don’t really allow me to be as involved as I'd like to be to utilize that support though.
What work do you do?
I’m a Powerline Worker, sometimes referred to as a Liney.
So a head for heights then!
Back to triathlon – which age group do you race in?
As of this year, I’m now in the 30-35 age group, or is it 30-40? I’m in one of them haha.
Lol. Who’s your greatest rival?
I have absolutely no idea who she is but there's one girl who always passes me on the run in the 2XU sprint series. Legitimately every race! I don’t know if I should consider her a rival so maybe I'll just say the cliché one, myself.
You’ll have to catch her this season!
Who’s your greatest supporter?
I have so many which I’m so grateful for, but my partner Pam definitely tops the list. She supports me not only through all the training but she’s there every race day regardless of the weather, location or event.
Ah, go Pam!
Have you had a tri-related accident or injury?
I came off the bike toward the end of last year, I lost some skin and smashed my helmet but was very lucky. CT scan confirmed I have a brain and that it was all good, so not all bad news. Only had to take a few weeks off.
Sorry to hear it! And glad you have a brain 😊
Have you stuffed up in a race?
Many times. Forgetting my socks is really up there. Not being very good at swimming straight also gets me in trouble sometimes.
Hmm, yes – you’ll want your socks in a 70.3!
What else do you do for fun (apart from triathlon)?
I’m really into my music. I love going to gigs and have a rather large record collection which I’m always adding to. I also play ice hockey, but I’ve decided to have a break this season to focus on triathlon. Traveling, spending time with the family and doing some DIY at home also keep me busy.
Who would you like to be for the day and why?
Either a professional athlete to see how it feels to be amazingly good at something or super fit OR a member of a band playing a massive show. I used to play in a few bands, but I think playing in front of thousands of people would be so cool. If I had to give names, I’d say Hayden Wilde or Mark Hoppus.
A band, hey? What’s your go-to karaoke song?
I bloody love karaoke. I gave, “It's All Coming Back to Me Now” – Celine Dion a red-hot crack at last year’s end of season drinks.
Ah yes. My ears are still bleeding from that rendition 😉 Loved the enthusiasm though.
What’s your spirit animal and why?
Hmmm, let's go a greyhound. We’ve got a rescue called Edwin and I’d love to be as fast as him, but I reckon sometimes I can be just as awkward and goofy as he is.
Ah, gorgeous. You’ll have to bring him down to Mentone beach to play with our crazy kelpies.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
There’s too much to mention but one piece that is really resonating with me at the moment is, “focus on what you can control”.
Good advice – no point wasting energy on what you can’t control.
What’s your hidden talent?
I reckon I go alright at a bit of Trivia. Especially the music rounds. Is that a talent?
Sure is – as long as your trivia is better than your singing ;) We’ll have to get you along to the Quiz nights that BTC attends.
What else should we know about you?
I don’t like avocado but I’m a pretty cool guy besides that.
Ha ha, great random fact to end with. Best of luck for Melbourne 70.3 and there will be millions of us cheering you on from the BTC aid station! Race well :)
