Kiera B
Always smiling, always encouraging and always sharing her knowledge Kiera is a BRAT through and through who not only succeeds at everything she does but she will ensure you do too.
How has BRAT made a difference:
I've met a great bunch of mates who are always around for activities and fun. It's not "are we meeting tomorrow?" but "where are we swimming / cycling / running / socialising tomorrow?"
Before joining BRAT where was your fitness level:
Most of my youth fitness was more sports based - gymnastics, hockey, diving etc. I hated anything endurance. When I started ocean swimming in my late 20's, I joined Bondi Salties, which introduced me to longer runs and SwimRun events. Salties then introduced me to BRATs members, and I was finally convinced (peer pressured) to take up cycling in late 2020. By that stage I was a proficient swimmer, ok runner, and fairly newbie cyclist. Even after buying a road bike, I maintained I'd never do an Ironman nor buy a triathlon bike...🤷🏻♀️
Swim, bike, run…what is your fav?
Whilst swim is my best leg, I enjoy the run because you get to hi-five and cheer on your team mates as you cross over a multi-lap course. I love a good scenic adventure bike ride but I also find it the most stressful race leg for all the uncontrollable potential mechanical issues!
Major races:
Cairns 70.3, Port Macquarie IM (Kona qualifying), Husky long course *2
Slogan:
Training is good but adventures are better.
Tri tip:
Don't discount the importance of strength, nutrition and mental training! These are just as important as the swim, bike, and run components.
Owen S
Owen is exactly what BRAT is about…sharing knowledge, consistent training, never judging and always supporting at all levels…and the outfits are always entertaining.
How has BRAT made a difference:
The BRATs have shown me what’s possible with a little bit of belief in yourself and the support of others. Seeing everyone in the club training so much made me realise I could fit so much more in my week, especially when its fun and you have great company. There are just so many experienced people to get advice from as well!
Before joining BRAT where was your fitness level:
I trained a lot in a variety of sports but didn’t do much endurance training, I have 2 martial arts black belts (Taekwondo and Hapkido), dabbled in gymnastics, weightlifting and calisthenics and had started running a little bit in uni but I definitely didn’t have any serious endurance or the knowledge on how best to build it.
Swim, bike, run…what is your fav?
It changes every few months but at the moment I’m really enjoying running!
Major races:
Ironman Port Macquarie 2022 (3rd in age group), Husky Ultimate 2022, Western Sydney 70.3 2022, Callala Standard (7th overall, 4th age group).
Slogan:
The human body is so much more capable than most people allow themselves to believe!
Tri tip:
1. If you’re serious about performance, remember that recovery is just as important as the training you put in! If you have the discipline, I would argue its better to miss a morning session if you had a late night and get it done yourself later, than to get a bad sleep, not recover properly and be more injury prone. Don’t forget your nutrition as well!
2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and keep learning from people! BRATs has so many experienced members, there are plenty of amazing YouTube videos and podcasts out there and even scientific papers if you’re really keen!
Lucy W
Always smiling and supportive, Lucy our immediate past-president, is a great allrounder and occasional pokes fun at her partner when she cross the line ahead of him.
How has BRAT made a difference:
BRATs is at it’s face a triathlon club but for me it’s my community. A bunch of people from many walks of life, all ages, all backgrounds bound by a love of testing our limits, terrible banter and a love of being outdoors.
Before joining BRAT where was your fitness level:
I was a total novice. Couldn’t use cleats to save my life, no concept of swimming freestyle in the ocean and not a clue that running could actually be enjoyable.
Swim, bike, run…what is your fav?
Depends on the season. The shoulder seasons are all about cycling- crisp but sunny and lighter mornings. Winter is for running. And there’s few things more satisfying than a big ocean swim in Summer.
Major races:
My last big race was the Melbourne Marathon in October last year. It was a Christmas gift to my then fiancé as wed-shred plan for our wedding three weeks after the race. Not sure either of us dropped any weight but we had the best time training for it. Really hoping the Boston Marathon will go ahead in 2021 so I can start planning for my second.
Slogan:
You’ll never regret going to training.
Tri tip:
Don’t be afraid to be a beginner. All of us were at one point. Plus, you’ll never improve that quickly again so enjoy it!
Dermot G
A long term BRAT who at well over 6 1/2ft is hard to miss, and you shouldn’t cause he is full of tips and tricks and always ready to help.
How has BRAT made a difference:
Meeting great people when I moved to Sydney, and the support at the races…especially during Ultraman
Before joining BRAT where was your fitness level:
Two Ironmen down, Ultraman in my sights.
Swim, bike, run…what is your fav?
Bike
Major races:
Ultraman Australia 2019
Ironman WA 2015, 2016 & 2017
Slogan:
Enjoy it, don’t take too seriously
Tri tip:
Consistency with training is key
Borja F
Podium finisher, world champion and pack leader….want to test yourself? Take on Borja on a Tuesday in Centennial Park.
How has BRAT made a difference:
BRATs have made a real difference since I joined the club back in 2015. At that time I was not really focused into triathlons although I had already completed my first race at the Lanzarote Ironman in Spain in 2014. Four years later after joining BRATs I was able to qualify and compete at the Ironman World Championships in Kailua-Kona in 2018. But not everything in BRATs is about competing, over the past few years I have met great people and I have really enjoyed training with BRATs, there is a mix of nationalities which makes this club top notch and not to forget the team spirit, I’m pretty sure we are all really proud of representing and competing for BRATs!
Before joining BRAT where was your fitness level:
I have always been a sports person, before joining BRATs I had a decent running fitness level. Some BRATs won’t believe me, but on my first days I really struggle on the bike. Some of the old members like John Hill will remember that day we were coming back from Waterfall through the RNP and I had to jump out of the bike on that last 2k hill and start walking…now is one of my favourite’s hills!
Swim, bike, run…what is your fav?
My fav is the run.
Major races:
I have completed 7 Ironman races including one time in Kona, 8 Half-Ironman, including one 70.3 Worlds and qualified for 2020 70.3 Worlds and 1 ITU Worlds.
Slogan:
It never gets easier, you just go faster.
Tri tip:
If you are looking for big and quick improvement, try to be as constant as possible with the training and once in a while during your weekly training routine try to get out of your comfort zone, sometimes is mentally hard but it pays off!
Ricardo M
Ricardo is a true BRAT at heart. Always offering tips, leading the pack and ensuring everyone gets over the line….a big heart, huge Vegan strength and always ready to help.
How has BRAT made a difference:
Reaching fitness goals can be hard sometimes, but having such supportive, friendly, and inspiring people to train together makes the journey a lot more enjoyable, fun, and safer.
I wouldn't have my current bicycle if it wasn't for the club, but that's another story.
Before joining BRAT where was your fitness level:
I have been a cyclist since I was 12 years old, but I wasn't nearly as fast as the fastest guys when I first joined the club in 2012 and the Waterfall rides were very challenging.
The BRAT race at Heffron Park was my first triathlon experience - I was the last one to cross the line on that day! I didn't know how to swim and my running was really bad!
Swim, bike, run…what is your fav?
Definitely the bike! I love doing long/fast rides and I am always looking forward to the BRAT cycling sessions! I also enjoy running and swimming because I can experience different elements of nature like an ocean swim or a trail run in the mountains.
Major races:
Full Ironman Port Macquarie 2013 - My first official triathlon race, with 16 countries traveled and explored by bicycle.
ITU World Triathlon Grand Final - Age Group Sprint and Olympic distance representing Brazil!
Slogan:
Life is a beautiful ride.
Tri tip:
Set challenging, exciting, and fun goals! Be around people that will help you to achieve your goals and help them too! I always tell my friends - You will be fine!
Jeremy G
From novice to double Ironman in nine months, that is exactly what BRAT can help you achieve.
How has BRAT made a difference:
I thought a full Ironman was never within the world of my possibility until the BRAT gang showed me how and encouraged me. I have found so much about myself from this and made great mates along the way.
Before joining BRAT where was your fitness level:
I had only ridden 80 kilometres, hadn’t run over 10km and could barely swim a kilometre.
Swim, bike, run…what is your fav?
Run, gets my closer to my race reward.
Major races:
2019 70.3 Ironman Port Macquarie
2019 Ironman Cairns
2019 Ironman Zurich
Slogan:
You can do it, that simple.
Tri tip:
Do lots of small races to get use to the ritual, train consistently and don’t ever give up.