The Wagga Triants Triathlon Club was formed in 1994 after several local triathletes discovered that there were others, just like themselves, that were travelling to other centres, mainly Sydney and Canberra to compete in events.

Ken Steinman, a PTI with the Navy, was one of the main instigators of the club and subsequently became the Triants first President. With strong input from several other members, the Wagga Triants formed a club that not only attracted the best athletes in the sport, it also filled a niche in providing a great alternative for people of any age and ability who were interested getting fit and staying healthy.

Some of the clubs first members were the Kahlefeldt Family, whose son Brad is now overseas competing against the worlds best in the ITU World Cup races. The Kahlefeldt's are a well known local sporting family and their involvement did not only encourage the sports most talented people, it also promoted the 'participation aspect' of the sport.

The clubs first race was a Duathlon event held during the winter of 1994. The event was a resounding success with approximately 150 competitors, most of whom had never before attempted a multi-sport event. The challenge of completing the course and gaining that amazing sense of achievement, that comes with finishing your first race, appeared to be a huge incentive to give the sport a go.

The following year, on Australia Day, the club held it's first Triathlon. The 'Bug On A Bike' triathlon proved to be a great event and one that has been the 'keystone' of the local triathlon season. The Australia Day race has now grown into a festival of events with races being held over a number of distances and which caters for a variety of age groups ranging from juniors right up to people in their 60's, 70's and even 80's. The Wagga Triants are now well known for their Australia Day weekend of races as being well organised and offering some great prizes, not only for the winners, but for anyone who is out there and having a go. After all, isn't that what it's all about.

Triathlon is one of a very limited number of sports where you compete against others based upon your age group. It is a sport where ability is not important, as long as you're out there enjoying yourself. The benefits of 'cross training', and in particular swimming, riding and running, have been well documented. If you enjoy keeping fit and healthy and want to be part of an organised sport that is flexible enough to allow you to do what you want, when you want, then Triathlon could be the sport for you.

The Wagga Triants is a great social group of people who are out there to get fit, stay healthy and have a good time doing it. Remember, you'll never ever know, if you never have a go!

For more information on coming events - Download our handout