25 Nov 2019:  On Sunday 24 November Triathlon Scotland welcomed members to their Triathlon Scotland 2019 Exchange event, which took place at Carnegie Conference Centre, Dunfermline, to celebrate another fantastic year for the sport.

Nominated by Triathlon Scotland members, the twelve 2019 Triathlon Scotland Annual Awards acknowledge the athletes, coaches and volunteers making a difference to triathlon across Scotland.   A number of Angus based individuals and organisations were among the award winners, including ourselves for the 2019 Montrose Triathlon.  The local winners were as follows:

Opportunity Maker of the Year – John Tonner, M3 Monifieth Triathlon Club

John is a master of multi-tasking. A project manager by trade, he juggled work, wedding plans, house renovations, triathlon training and the biggest club run two day triathlon festival in the Scottish calendar! Working closely with Triathlon Scotland, he was encouraged to persuade his club to host a ETU Age Group Qualification event, and for the second year the Scottish Sprint and Club Team Relay Championships, and if that was not enough, a draft legal youth triathlon. Despite the hefty workload, and with triathletes arriving from all across the country, our nominators told us he remained calm, considerate and committed, as well as good humoured and humble.

Most Enjoyable Event of the Year – Montrose Triathlon, TriAngus Ltd

Our nominator explained that the service she received from our winner, who had contacted her about a wait list place, was very patient and encouraging. Particularly because our nominator had a fear of water, and the race director never once made her feel silly despite the anxiety she was feeling about taking part. She went on to say how friendly the whole race team were, from the organising team, marshals and even the other competitors who were encouraging, supportive, positive and reassuring in equal measures. She said “I literally recommend this event to everyone I speak to, particularly those who may have genuine novice concerns such as ‘fear of ‘being last’, ‘fear of holding everyone back’, ‘of not being good enough’.  These are not concerns that ever need to be associated with this event. Thank you for giving me such a positive experience!”.

Coach Development Award – Andrew Woodroffe, University of Stirling High Performance Centre (from Forfar)

Andrew began his career in Triathlon as an amateur age-group competitor while studying at Plymouth University. Upon the completion of his degree, he was able to commit to near full-time training and had two successful seasons, representing Great Britain at age-group standard in back-to back European and World Championships. His first formal coaching role began with a 3-year apprenticeship position with Triathlon Scotland where he had responsibility for a full programme of coached sessions including domestic and overseas training camps. During this apprenticeship our winner passed his Level 3 Coaching award with a distinction and then went on to secure the role of Head Coach of the University of Stirling’s High Performance Triathlon Squad. Since, he has worked tirelessly to establish a brilliant foundation and an important reputation for the Stirling University team, and has been successful in recruiting new student athletes with huge sporting and academic potential. One nominator said “he has a unique way with athletes, getting to know them personally, spending time with them and looking at the bigger picture than just the sport”. He spends time with various coaches and a mentor on a regular basis, and is always trying to learn more and learn from his mistakes!

Age Group Performance of the Year – Robert Harrison, M3 Monifieth Triathlon Club

Robert has made training an integral part of life. Even his bike goes on holiday with the family! He works half an hour drive from home, but will bike this most days even in winter. He trains in our local lochs in summer and he runs around the town constantly. He is a secondary school teacher which is stressful at times but that doesn’t stop him from driving south to qualifying races or jetting off to races abroad. He is dedicated and trains and races hard to meet his high standards. This year he was part of the Great Britain Age Group Team at the Targu Mures Middle Distance European Championships. At long last he came home with gold, having been 7th in 2014, 4th in 2016, 6th in 2017 and 2nd in 2018! Not only that but his times were the best out of the whole team who travelled to Romania.

Most Welcoming Club of the Year – Montrose Triathlon Club

Montrose Triathlon Club was nominated because of the experience of a person new to triathlon who was recommended by a friend. “Everyone at the club has been very welcoming, and regardless of age, ability, experience you are welcome. The training sessions are friendly and personally I’ve learnt so much already. I’m usually near the back in the cycle sessions, but the club coach always holds back and rides with the slowest, but is full of encouragement and tips. Swim sessions, pool and the new open water ones, are great, and suitable for all levels of experience. Everything is pitched at various levels so not too difficult for anyone. It’s been such a great experience so far.”

Shortly after the event, Tri Angus Director Maggie Lawrie commented ” We are very humbled that the Montrose Triathlon has been nominated & won the “Most Enjoyable Event” category @scottishtri awards. Firstly thank you to our nominator for your extremely kind words. Thanks also to all our participants, volunteers & event partners for your continued support!