Outstanding individuals, clubs and events have been recognised at the HUUB Triathlon England Awards 2023 where this year’s national award winners were announced during a live awards ceremony.
The awards, which were broadcast live on Triathlon England’s YouTube channel, were hosted by presenter Emma Jones from the HQ of awards title partner, HUUB.
Also joining the awards as guests were Olympic champion Jess Learmonth, British triathlete Tom Bishop and former international triathlete and David Bishop, who now works as Product Development Manager at HUUB.
The winners in the 13 categories were:
Young Volunteer of the Year
Isabel Miller has recently completed the British Triathlon Young Activator course and has volunteered to support at Chichester Triathlon Club sessions, even when setbacks curtailed her own training. She has also been working towards the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Highly Commended: Grace Wardle for her achievements as a young volunteer within Walden Junior Triathlon Club.
Adult Volunteer of the Year
Sam Lee has been instrumental in her role as secretary of Nantwich Triathlon Club, inspiring women to take up triathlon through her own personal story and completing numerous tasks for the club.
Junior Coach of the Year
Helen Otterson is at North Shields Polytechnic Junior Club come rain or shine, coaching across all three disciplines, and always pushing herself to develop as a coach.
Highly Commended: Georgina Dunlop for her outstanding contribution to coaching at Walden Junior Triathlon Club.
Participation Coach of the Year
Caroline Whittaker is cited as being the reason that Hillingdon Triathletes increased their membership through the organisation of warm weather camps, coaching swim, bike, run and arranging open water swimming sessions.
Technical Official of the Year
Sarah Taylor has contributed nationally and internationally as a Technical Official, and last year helped to mentor less experienced Technical Officials alongside her roles at AJ Bell 2022 World Triathlon Championship Series Leeds and Volvo 2022 World Triathlon Para Series Swansea, among other international and committee postings in 2022.
Outstanding Contribution Award
Rav Dighe’s life has been all about triathlon and bringing the best out in others ever since he first became involved in the sport over 40 years ago. He took-up full-time coaching in 2015, and has supported the Triathlon England GO TRI programmeand the East Region Committee alongside sitting on Tri-Force Juniors’ committee.
Inclusivity Award
Tewkesbury Triathlon Club set out to become the best club for inclusivity, and in doing so they’ve created the post of Inclusion Officer, made their events more accessible, and created a mentoring programme for those returning to sport, among many other things.
Highly Commended: Paul McIntyre from Nantwich Triathlon Club for his tireless inclusion work in supporting a wide range of activities in the North West.
Wellbeing Award
Nantwich Triathlon Club has a refreshing approach to wellbeing, featuring monthly topics that link to community initiatives, putting the importance of wellbeing at the heart of the club since being founded in 2021.
GO TRI Initiative of the Year
GO TRI Local Amble is a monthly event hosted by Alnwick Triathlon Club, aimed at those brand new to swim, bike, run. The event was recognised for the variation and consistency of events which were offered throughout the whole season.
Children’s Event of the Year
Torbay Triathlon in South Devon includes race opportunities across the age groups in a friendly environment, with one family travelling 150 miles to attend as it is their favourite event.
Highly Commended: Discovery Children's Tri – Chelmsford which gives an opportunity for juniors to experience open water swimming.
Small Event of the Year
Trifarm Sprint Triathlon is often used as a season opener by participations with the event centred around Trifarm Lake, near Chelmsford.
Large Event of the Year
Eastbourne Triathlon is regarded as one of the most scenic triathlon events in the country with participants praising the organisation from entering to finishing, the enthusiastic crew, wonderful setting and fantastic atmosphere.
Highly Commended: Crystal Palace Triathlon for their work around sustainability.
Club of the Year
Louth Triathlon Club’s warmth and welcoming feel was highlighted within the club and throughout the many events the club runs each year. There are many individual stories of how the Lincolnshire-based club has helped their members’ individual swim, bike, run journey with the club’s members ranging from age 18 through to 80.
Watch again the HUUB Triathlon England Awards 2023 on Triathlon England's YouTube here.
