Hundreds of athletes spanning a broad range of ages and abilities took part in the Whitsunday Trail Fest over the weekend.

Presented by Whitsunday Running Club, the event offers a variety of challenges including the 58-kilometre Accom Whitsunday Ultra Marathon, the 28-kilometre Anaconda Whitsunday trail, the 11-kilometre Honeyeater Shokz Challenge and the Whitsunday Transit Kids Beach Run which encompasses a 1400 metre route along the Foreshore.

Held annually, those interested in getting involved are encouraged to contact the Running Club directly.

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Photo credit: VAMPP Photography

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On Sunday, August 25th, the Port Denison Gun Club held its monthly shoot, attracting twenty-five shooters who competed under a bright and sunny sky. Participants traveled from Mackay/Sarina, Burdekin, Townsville, Hamilton, and Mansfield to join local club members for a day of spirited competition.
The day kicked off with Event 1: 50T Medley Trophy. The results were as follows:
   • AA: M. Zaballa scored 97/100
   • A: C. Edgerton scored 117/120
   • B: J. Kinnonmonth scored 111/120
   • C: L. Hopkins scored 93/100
Following the Medley Trophy, competitors took part in Event 2: 50T DB Continental Port Denison Championship. The winners were:
   • AA: J. Rossato scored a perfect 50/50
   • A: C. Edgerton scored 59/61
   • B: M. Sutherland scored 46/50
   • C: L. Hopkins scored 43/50

Mark your calendars for the next shoot, scheduled for Sunday, September 22nd, starting at 9:00 a.m. We look forward to another great day of competition!

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Spring has arrived with a few light showers, but not enough to disrupt the bowling schedule. Last Monday, several ladies enjoyed a wonderful day at the St Helens Carnival. On Tuesday, four members attended Wangaratta Bowls Club’s Presidents At Home Day.

Tuesday’s social bowls saw Tony Whitehorn and Robin Brown emerge as winners with an impressive margin of 34-7. Other matches included Betty Whitehorn’s team defeating John Brown’s team 28-16, and Arthur McManus’s team winning over Tony Kelly’s team 27-14.

In Wednesday’s mixed social bowls, Ted Cullens’s team took home the prize money. The Business House Bowls continued in the evening, with Rock Plumbing, Hadlow Racing, and Blue Science standing out as this week’s winners. With only four weeks left before the green closes for the installation of a new hard cover, players will switch to indoor activities like darts, pool, and cards on Wednesday evenings.

Nine ladies competed in the South Suburban Prestige Triples on Thursday and Friday, with Carol Crosbie, Joan McGrath, and Betty Nicolle finishing in second place. Congratulations to them!

Friday evening’s Barefoot Bowls was a hit, with birthday parties making use of the club’s fantastic facilities. Saturday’s Scroungers saw Tony Whitehorn win the A game and Warren Mitts take the B game.

The second "Active Women and Girls" program is underway. Those interested in learning bowls can contact Margo or Betty.

Sunday’s social bowls saw Margo Stanley, Liz McManus, and John Askew defeat Tony Kelly’s team 26-13 in the day’s standout match.

Contributed with thanks to Margo Stanley

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Carol Crosbie, Joan McGrath and Betty Nicolle with sponsor VaI Pilcher, Photo supplied

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The Social Bowls on Sunday, 1 September, saw some exciting matches. Jane Gilbert and Helen Jacobsen claimed victory over Ron Gould and Steve Roome, while Tracey Roach, Ray Muir, and Lloyd White defeated L. Kruger, Gordo, and Gus Munro in a competitive game.

On Wednesday, 4 September, Jane Gilbert and Tiarna Winter triumphed over Ray Muir and J. Honey. In another match, Ron Gould, Gordo, and S. Sloan secured a win against F. Low, David McDonald, and Gus Munro.

There was also one game of Scroungers, where Steve Roome defeated Ian Thatcher and Mary Ellen Pratten.

Please note that Tuesday and Friday bowls have concluded for the year.

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Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards

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The first of the Senior Singles Semi-Finals took place on Wednesday afternoon, with a thrilling match that went the full distance of 36 ends. In a close battle, Mike Harrison defeated Luchie Gardel 27-22. Mike will now face the winner of the upcoming Dale Haack vs. Bryan Davy match.

Several social games were also held on Wednesday. Bruce Uhe and Sandy Daffara triumphed over John Anderson and Philip Brown, 21-17, while Heather Brown secured an 8-5 victory over Mike Harrison in a quick seven-end singles game.

On Saturday, Dale Haack, Shane Kinnear, and Wayne Handley represented the club in the Champion of Champions Triples at Wests Tigers. Despite their strong play, they were defeated by the North Mackay team. The overall winners were Northern Beaches, with Souths Suburban finishing as runners-up.

Sunday’s social bowls saw John Anderson, Philip Brown, Mike Harrison, and Sandy Daffara defeat Mary Hedgelong, Bruce Uhe, Mike Harrison, and Heather Brown, 24-16.

The Pratt Cup team for Proserpine has been selected: Wayne Handley (Singles), Shane Kinnear and Gavin Milne (Pairs), and Michael Kinnear, Jonathan Bye, Andrew Bell, and Nathan Harriott (Fours). The host green is yet to be announced, but Proserpine will host four clubs this Saturday. Come along to enjoy the action and support our representative players.

The B Pairs Final will take place on Tuesday, 10 September at 1 p.m., featuring Mike Harrison and Bruce Uhe vs. Gavin Noonan and Nathaniel Watts. On Wednesday, 11 September, the second Senior Singles Semi-Final will be played between Dale Haack and Bryan Davy at 3 p.m.

The club’s AGM is scheduled for Sunday, 24 November at 10 a.m. Members are encouraged to attend.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Bowls Club

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Tuesday’s Ladies’ President’s Day, sponsored by Tropical Beach Caravan Park, was a resounding success, thanks to beautiful weather and enthusiastic participation. President Lyn Danvers extended a warm welcome to North Queensland officials and visiting clubs from Jubilee, Alligator Creek, Ayr, Airlie Beach, and southern regions.

With a full green of triples, the morning games were highly competitive. Ruth Moore, Dot Slater, and Fely Duncan emerged as the top team with 17 points, defeating Merle Elphinstone, Henny, and Sandra Stitson. Second place went to Rhonda Lesley, Bates, and June Walsh, who triumphed over Margaret Harvey, Lyn Skeen, and Pearl Aykens. Third place was claimed by M. Barnard, Robyn McAllister, and Kaye Cooper, who won against Naomi Land, Lorraine Knight, and Heather Jorgensen.

A special sportsmanship prize for the lowest score was awarded to Wilma Berryman, Sue Hendy, and Margaret Wilson, who were bested by Linda Smith, Elaine Kippen, and Marion Nicholson. Thanks to our sponsor Ben for attending and presenting the prizes.

After lunch, President Lyn Danvers made a special presentation to Maree Brunker, honoring her achievement of reaching Super Veteran Status. Congratulations, Maree!

On Sunday, the winners on Rink 4 were Deb Retchless, Albi Vigar, and Allan Rolfe, who defeated Merle Elphinstone, Kennedy, and Whitton. The jackpot was not claimed.

Best of luck to our men’s team competing this weekend in the Burdekin/Bowen Pennant at Wangaratta.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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President Lyn Danvers with Maree Brunker Super Veteran
Winners Presidents Day
Photos supplied

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As a reminder to all players, please prioritize safety when moving from the 9th green to the 10th tee by using the area behind the 18th green. Be mindful of players approaching the 18th fairway.
Good luck to the Men’s Pennant teams competing at Ingham and Home Hill! We're excited to see how they perform.

Week Ending 6/9/24
Despite strong winds and challenging conditions, golfers persevered, with little rain to dampen the week’s events.

Tuesday 3/9/24 - PGC Stroke

Men:
   • Winner: Craig McLean with a fantastic 67 nett.
   • Runner-up: Steve Lucas, posting 70.

Ladies:
   • Winner: Tiina Randmae with an impressive 69 nett.
   • Runner-up: Elspeth Scotford with 72.

Rundown: Gary Scotford and Kev Cooper with 70, Ryan Kenny with 72, Sean Gower, John Oates, Sean Fogarty, and Steve Mitchell with 73, and Leanne Alexander with 74.
2 Shot Winners: Craig McLean (twice) and Gary Scotford. Nearest to Pin (NTPs): Gary Scotford, Craig McLean, Jason Bourke, and Mark Thompson.

Wednesday 4/9/24 - Ladies PD Law September Monthly Medal and Least Putts
A very windy day made scoring difficult:
   • Winner: Leanne Alexander, showing great skill with a 71 nett.
   • Runner-up: Lyn Muller with 74.

Rundown: Tina Badenhorst with 75, Tiina Randmae and Elspeth Scotford with 76.

NTPs: Leanne Alexander, Tina Badenhorst, and Di Dobbins (twice).

Thursday 5/9/24 - VenueSmart September Monthly Medal
   • Overall Winner: Alan Elsayed with a nett 70.

A Grade:
   • Winner: Alan Elsayed with nett 70.
   • Runner-up: Craig McLean, narrowly behind with 71.

B Grade:
   • Winner: Nic Apruzzese with 72 (on a countback).
   • Runner-up: Bryan Payne.

Rundown: Adam Hosie (Thredbo GC) with 71, Aaron Prosser with 72, Ryan Wilkes and Gary Scotford with 74, and Brendon Meharry, Colin Hounsell, Jason Bourke, and John Roser with 75.

NTPs: Adam Stroud, Matthew Muller, Aaron Prosser, and Barry Mortimer.

Friday 6/9/24 - Met Run 9 Holes
   • Winner: Karlene Lloyd with 21 points.
   • Runner-up: Fay Milne with 20 (on a countback).
   • 3rd Place: Daniel Borgh (Bowen GC).

NTP: Mitchell Whitton.

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae

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Pennant C grade team 3rd place, Photo supplied

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It was a glorious day for golf as the sun shone brightly with a gentle, cooling breeze—a touch blustery at times, but overall, simply beautiful. A strong field of 35 players took part in the highly anticipated September Monthly Medal, including special guest Graham Banister from Easts Leisure and Golf, Maitland.

Results:
Ladies:
   • Winner: Tiina Randmaec, with an impressive 69 nett.
   • Runner-up: Elspeth Scotford, close behind with 72.
   • Run Down: Leanne Alexander and Pam Harrison with 74, Helen Deighton with 79, Jan Shuwalow, Rehab Hull, and Robyn Whitham with 80, and Beryl Noszworthy with 81.

Men:
   • Winner: Craig McLean, continuing his fine form with a 67 nett.
   • Runner-up: Wilf Herweg, also outstanding with 69.
   • Run Down: Gary Scotford with 70, John Oates and Steve Mitchell with 73, Colin Hounsell and Barry Mortimer with 76, Laurie Dakin with 77, John Wallace with 78, and Nic Apruzzese with 80.

Pin Shots:
   • Ladies: Tina Badenhorst, Beryl Nosworthy, Jenny Hounsell, Jan Shuwalow, Tiina Randmae, and Paula McQuat.
   • Men: Craig McLean and Gary Scotford, both finding the hole on the 2nd, Nic Apruzzese and Craig McLean (again) on the 9th, and Peter Fox, Laurie Dakin, and John Strelec on the 16th.

Least Putts:
   • Ladies: Pam Harrison and Leanne Alexander with 31.
   • Men: Gary Scotford with an impressive 28.

Chip-ins:
   • A solitary but skillful chip-in by Tina Badenhorst.

The day was a wonderful showcase of talent and camaraderie, with both seasoned players and newcomers enjoying the ideal weather and competitive spirit. Congratulations to all the winners!

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Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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On 7th September 2024, the rain finally cleared, providing ideal conditions for the 109 participants who ran, jogged, or walked the scenic five kilometre waterfront course B. The event saw a large turnout of 41 first-timers, while 13 participants achieved new personal bests, adding to the positive atmosphere.

A highlight of the day was celebrating Co-Event Director Kara’s impressive 250th parkrun, a significant milestone. The event also saw Kideok complete his 100th parkrun and Stuart reach his 150th, each accomplishment met with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.

The event was made possible by the hard work of the dedicated volunteer team, led by the Run Director. Special thanks go to Jet, Nick, Kara, Megan, Sharon, Wade, Susanne, Shane, Andy, Laura, Ken, Jarrod, Annette, Lynne, Christine, Merewyn, Carolyn, and Ange, who ensured the smooth running of the day.

Airlie Beach parkrun, began on 5th December 2015 and has since grown into a thriving community event. Over the years, 6,778 participants have completed 32,146 parkruns, covering an impressive 160,730 kilometres and achieving 3,759 new personal bests. A total of 483 individuals have volunteered 4,873 times to make these events happen.

For those interested in volunteering, the team welcomes new helpers. Get in touch and be a part of this vibrant community!

Photos supplied

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On Sunday, several standout athletes from the Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club attended the SNQ State & National Clinic held in Bowen. Among the participants were Charlie Doherty, Thomas Ganter, Isaac Pisaniello, Jax Clayworth, Jacob Bell, Isabella Pisaniello, and Tora Delac. The full-day event provided expert coaching aimed at enhancing their swimming technique and overall performance.

The swimmers engaged in specialised pace and technique sessions, focusing on refining their strokes. A physiotherapist was present to assess their flexibility, ensuring the athletes maintain the necessary range of motion for peak performance in the pool. Additionally, the swimmers learned how to use trigger balls, a crucial tool for relieving muscle tension and aiding recovery. The day wrapped up with a yoga session designed to improve body awareness and concentration. It was a highly productive day for all involved, offering invaluable learning opportunities to boost their swimming prowess.
Special thanks go to Barry Prime from Swimming Queensland and Theresa Manning from Swimming North Queensland for organizing this outstanding clinic, which provided such valuable development for our swimmers.

Club Night Highlights
Last Wednesday, the Cannonvale Cannons held another exciting Club Night, where Giselle Burton proudly presented awards and upgrades to the club’s swimmers. The coveted Chocolate Award for the biggest personal best (PB) went to Harry Chegwidden for his remarkable performance in the 100-metre Individual Medley (IM).

Several swimmers celebrated upgrades, including Alex Trefz, who moved up to the 200-metre Freestyle, and River Shields, who advanced to the 50-metre Freestyle. Ruby Lawson had a particularly stellar evening, upgrading to the 100-metre distance in all four strokes, while Felix Hoise achieved upgrades to 25-metre Butterfly, 50-metre Freestyle, and 50-metre Backstroke.

Top performers of the night, based on PBs, included Charlie and Evie Doherty, Miller Eaves, Erik Hinrichsen, Ruby Lawson, Kaitlyn Moon, Eric Mulliss, and Andie Reynolds.
It was a fantastic week for the Cannons, with both the clinic and Club Night offering moments of achievement and growth for these dedicated swimmers.

Photos supplied

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Australia’s champion women cricketers are currently preparing for a series of T20 matches at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena (GBRA) to kick off the new summer season of cricket.
The two T20 matches at GBRA between Australia and New Zealand will be played next week, on Thursday 19 and Sunday 22 September. The season openers will be vital preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup to be staged in Bangladesh in October.
The Australian women are the reigning T20 World Cup Champions, having won the last three editions of the event stretching back to 2018. Overall they have won six of the eight ICC T20 Championships staged since their establishment in 2009.
Star international Beth Mooney said the Australian women’s team was thrilled to be returning to Mackay.

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Australia’s star cricketers, including Beth Mooney (centre), return to Mackay's Great Barrier Reef Arena for an exciting T20 series against New Zealand, gearing up for the Women's T20 World Cup. Photo supplied

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Cricket Fever Hits Mackay
AUSTRALIA VS NEW ZEALAND WOMEN’S T20 SERIES

Australia’s champion women cricketers are gearing up for the highly anticipated T20 matches at Great Barrier Reef Arena (GBRA) in Mackay as they prepare to defend their title at the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.
With two key matches against New Zealand on the 19th and 22nd of September, these season openers serve as crucial preparation for the reigning T20 World Cup champions, who have dominated the tournament with six wins out of eight since 2009.
Star international Beth Mooney expressed the team's excitement about returning to Mackay.

“Great Barrier Reef Arena has created some fantastic memories for me and the team, particularly from the one day international series victory against India just a few years back,” Mooney said.
“It’s a great venue, the crowds are brilliant and the atmosphere really helps to lift our performance.
“I can’t wait to kick off the new season with these two games against New Zealand, they will be hard fought and we are looking forward to bringing our best game to Mackay in September.
“It will be the perfect lead-in to our T20 World Cup campaign and I have no doubt that everyone will be switched on and raring to play.”
Mooney has enjoyed significant success at the venue, including a score of 125 not out to see Australia home in a last ball One Day thriller against India in 2021.
She has long since attracted a legion of admirers in Mackay through her WBBL exploits in the regional Queensland centre. In her time with the Brisbane Heat, Mooney made a feast of runs to cement her reputation as a local favourite.
Great Barrier Reef Arena was officially opened in May 2023 and made possible through the combined investment of the Federal and Queensland Governments.
Plans are currently well advanced for Stage 2 of the Arena, which comprises a major regional multisport training and event centre, including purpose-built facilities for athletes of all abilities.
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Tickets for both the Great Barrier Reef Arena games are available for purchase online now through Cricket Australia.

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Beth Mooney and Australia’s top women cricketers are back at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena, ready to face New Zealand in a thrilling T20 series ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup. Photos supplied

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Sarina Crocodiles are the newly crowned Mackay & District Junior League A Grade champions for 2024.

Lightning struck twice for the Crocodiles after toppling premiership favourites Mackay Brothers 16-14 in last Saturday’s Grand Final showdown at the Junior League Fields.

It followed Sarina’s spirited 24-18 victory over the Leprechauns in the major semi-final.

Brothers won thirteen of their fourteen matches during the regular season - losing just one match against Mackay Magpies to wrap up the minor premiership.

Sarina opened the scoring after three minutes with a Mitch Fogarty try that was converted by fullback Zane McKellar.

Elusive three quarter Jayden Batchelor returned serve with a 16th minute try before centre partner Rydge Smith booted a penalty goal to lock the scores at 6-all at the half-time break.

Australian Universities winger Kane Simon scooted over for a try after the interval to give Brothers a 10-6 lead before Sarina piled on two quick tries for a 16-10 advantage.

Brothers winger Matthew Skaife bridged the gap when he scored in the 68th minute with goal kicker Smith failing to convert.
The Leprechauns are celebrating an A Grade Womens premiership triumph after skittling the Mackay Magpies 20-0.

Dashing winger Nali Hine and talented fullback Madi Westecott nabbed try doubles with Westecott and lock Cassie Adlam landing conversions in a dominant performance.

Brothers were best served by classy halves Imogen Healy and Mersades Lawson, prop Montanah Best, back rowers Ebony Temple and Shaylee Hazledine, hooker Lara Hutchinson and the powerful Adlam and Westecott.

Moranbah Miners clinched the Reserve Grade Mens premiership after trouncing Brothers 52-20.

The Miners ran in ten tries in a high scoring encounter with second rowers Oakland Stowers and Dylan Paterson, fullback Hayden Bell, winger Cameron White, interchange players Ilai Faamita, Mitchell Chadwick, David Butler and prop Jamie Maliko all crossing for four-pointers.

Moranbah half back Shannon Rupapere booted four goals and Maliko (two) to complete the rout.

Brothers fullback Assan Munro and second rower Joshua Borg scored tries with five eighth Alex Lawton potting two conversions.

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The Sarina Crocodiles celebrate their thrilling 16-14 victory over Mackay Brothers, securing the 2024 Mackay & District Junior League A Grade Championship. Photo credit: Jessica Wilson Photography

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In its very first season in use, it hasn't taken long for the Score Assist to impact a game, with Maddy Guerin's match-winner coming in dramatic style. With the goal umpire unsure whether Daisy D'Arcy had touched it before or after the line, umpires conferred before going upstairs to the system that makes use of ball tracking technology. With no replay or communication for the players, spectators or viewers to see or hear, only once the signal for a goal was given did everyone know the result.
D'Arcy's ball use a cut above the rest
With players struggling in the hot and windy conditions to hit targets, the ball use of SUN Daisy D'Arcy was a step above. D'Arcy, playing at half-back, had 16 kicks in her 25 disposals, gaining a match-high 546m at 76 per cent efficiency. Her laser pass for Jamie Stanton's second-quarter goal was a feature.
GOLD COAST             2.0       4.5       4.6       5.8 (38)
CARLTON      2.2       4.4       4.7       5.9 (39)
GOALS
Gold Coast: Whitfort, Davies, Bohanna, Stanton, Dupuy
Carlton: Skepper, Anthony, Austin, B.Moody, Guerin
BEST 
Gold Coast: Darcy, Rowbottom, Single, Whitfort, Barwick, Bohanna
Carlton: Hill, McKay, Sherar, Finn, Cordner, Guerin
INJURIES
Gold Coast: Whitfort (knee)
Carlton: C.Moody (neck)
Reports: Nil

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A hard-fought AFLW clash at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena, where Carlton edged out the Gold Coast SUNS by a single point. Fans enjoyed mingling with players after the intense game. Photo credit: Gold Coast SUNS

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A dramatic late goal to Maddy Guerin has seen Carlton snatch its first victory of the AFLW season, hanging on by a solitary point against Gold Coast in Mackay on Sunday.
With her team trailing by four points and less than two minutes remaining, Guerin received a handball from Darcy Vescio and sent her right foot snap goalward from 25m.
SUN Daisy D'Arcy leapt high on the line to touch the ball, but following an official score review - which is being used in the AFLW for the first time this season - the Blues were awarded the go-ahead goal.
Gold Coast had a late chance to snatch victory, but Lucy Single's hurried snap sailed just wide with 15 seconds remaining to leave the score 5.9 (39) to 5.8 (38) to the Blues.
The result leaves the SUNS 0-2 following two home matches and well behind their pursuit of playing a second consecutive finals series.
The Blues hit the front deep into the final term as Madeleine Guerin’s slick effort is ticked off by new smart ball technology
In hot and blustery conditions at Great Barrier Reef Arena, the teams traded blows all day in a physical contest.
Mimi Hill was superb for the victors with her outside dash leading to 23 disposals, while Abbie Mackay played a second terrific game in succession to finish with 22.
Gold Coast trailed by a point at the final break and following Jac Dupuy's excellent set shot, looked like taking victory before Guerin's late heroics.
Charlie Rowbottom was colossal for the SUNS, finishing with 35 disposals, 10 marks and 10 tackles.
Her defensive intent and bone-rattling tackling was a feature.
Daisy D'Arcy (25) had claims as one of the best players afield with her excellent ball use, while Claudia Whitfort (20) overcame a knee scare at half-time to be a solid contributor.
With a flukey wind swirling and switching directions, the teams played out a see-sawing and entertaining first half.
The Blues, kicking with the prevailing wind early on, got on the board first with goals to Keeley Skepper and Marianna Anthony before the SUNS found a foothold in the game.
Whitfort opened their account with a clever finish from the right forward pocket and when Darcie Davies showed good skill below her knees to gather and snap, the hosts trailed by two points at the first change.
Again, it would be two goals apiece in the second term, with Jamie Stanton's goal a highlight.
Rowbottom won the ball at half-forward, swatted off her Carlton opponent like a pesky fly, then gave a handball to D'arcy who lasered a kick to Stanton for an open goal.
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By Michael Whiting – AFL Media

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From a young age, Kristen had an interest in athletics and gymnastics, but it wasn’t until around the age of 10 when she developed a passion for the sport. Since then, she has been mountain biking for just over six years but only started racing competitively around three years ago.

Kristen said it wasn’t until August last year when she ventured into the world of cross duathlon - a sport that combines trail running and mountain biking.

Now in her final year of schooling at St Patrick's College, Kristen recently represented Australia at the World Triathlon Age Group Multisport World Championships in Townsville, where she competed in the Cross Duathlon event.

She claims that she won the title of national champion “by accident.”

“In 2023 I competed at the national championships in Townsville for cross duathlon and I ended up sort of…by accident…becoming the national champion at my first ever duathlon race, and then that led to my selection into the Australian team to compete at the world championships this year,” she said.

As she wore green and gold, Kristen prevailed in the 6 km trail run and 20 km mountain bike ride before finishing with another 3 km trail run, earning her the honourable title of 2024 World Champion for the 18-19 years Cross Duathlon.

Kristen recalled the feeling of victory and said “it was a surprise but I put a lot of hard work, training and a lot of discipline into it.

“I’m really happy to come away with a win, and the race was super hard as well so it was a big achievement to just finish.”

This incredible accomplishment not only marks Kristen's success on the international stage but also secures her a spot on the Australian team, where she will have the opportunity to defend her title in 2025 at the World Championships in Pontevedra, Spain.

With success, comes challenges, which Kristen says it’s been hard trying to manage school studies with a training regimen that includes mountain biking, running and gym sessions as well as balancing a social life.

Despite this, Kristen says that her involvement with the Athlete Development Program at 21 Laps has helped significantly where Dean and his team have provided valuable support. Her riding coach from Brisbane, John Russell from JRsgymandbike, has also been instrumental in helping her balance her fitness goals

Kristen credits her training team and coach for guiding her to success, saying, "It was hard, but it really paid off."

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Kristen Rowlands, 17, celebrates her remarkable achievement as the 2024 World Champion for the 18-19 years Cross Duathlon after a gruelling event in Townsville. Photo supplied

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