There may not have been medals won, but in the competitive world that is Olympic triathlon, Triathlon Australia notes that it has certainly continued to confirm its presence on the world stage.
Two top ten finishers in the men from Games debutants Aaron Royle (ninth) and Ryan Bailie (10th) and strong performances by triple Olympians Emma Moffatt (sixth) and Erin Densham (12th) highlighted the team’s Rio efforts.
And although disappointed, Triathlon Australia adds that debutants Ryan Fisher (26th) and Ashleigh Gentle (24th) can hold their heads high, knowing full well they have bright futures leading into Tokyo 2020.
“Particularly in the men with those two young lads Royle and Bailie who were in the top 10 – and Ryan Fisher who is a great athlete for us going forward and then you throw Jake Birtwhistle into the mix at the moment as well,” said Olympic Team Leader Bernard Savage.
“Historically our men’s results haven’t been as good as the girls – but Aaron’s done a couple of podiums in the WTS and Ryan Bailie is knocking on the door with three or four fourths. His progression’s been fantastic. Ryan’s just a consummate professional; he just gets about and gets things done.
“His performance here was outstanding – but for a couple of critical moments, Ryan could have been in that front group and then who knows, but he’s handled that really well and been quite reflective on that and there’s lots of moments in the race that could go one way or another and maybe influence the result.
“I certainly think that he and Aaron have demonstrated over the past two to three years that they are going to be factors for us going forward. I don’t think it’s too long before we see Ryan Bailie on the podium in a WTS event.
“And behind that we’ve got some really good young talent that we’re excited about. So I think from a longevity point of view we’ve got some people there that will build us into 2020 and keep us pushing through, and certainly on the women’s side we’ve got a couple of girls on the junior side that I think will push through.”
On the question of funding, Savage said “We put forward a strong case to the Australian Sports Commission for our funding and I know that they’re happy with the work we’ve been doing to address some structural inefficiencies we’ve had in the sport.
“We’ve planned for what they’ve committed to us at the moment and we’re comfortable we can do the job with that.”
In April 2016, Triathlon Australia confirmed the reappointment of its National Performance Director Bernard Savage for another four years as it plans to take the sport to 2020 and beyond. According to the national governing body, it is a major vote of confidence for Savage who was appointed to the role following the London 2012 Olympics.
He has guided the sport’s High Performance team throughout a re-building phase over the last three-and-half years in what was seen as ‘an encouraging, rewarding build up towards this year’s Rio Games.’
The re-appoint comes under the direction of newly appointed CEO Miles Stewart and a Triathlon Board that ‘recognises the solidarity of investment in the sport’s high performance pathway.’
“We’re excited to have Bernard secured until Tokyo 2020, this brings stability to our existing program and ensures our future is in good hands. The ASC, AIS, coaches and athletes all hold him in high regard and his signature was a priority for us in our future pathway,” said Miles Stewart.
Triathlon Australia is looking to the future and focused on the path ahead, which includes securing key people for roles that will deliver results.
