Pho3nix Kids Triathlon: Empowering Youth, Igniting Passion, and Fueling Dreams Down Under
News
Pho3nix Kids wraps up its third season in Australia as the biggest one yet, getting even more kids active by providing them access to sport and creating pathways for their progression.
In partnership with The Event Crew, the 2023-2024 Pho3nix Kids Triathlon Series ran from September to March with seven events held across South East Queensland, as well as the Pho3nix Kids Gold Coast Triathlon on the 6th of April as part of the Pho3nix Gold Coast Triathlon Festival.
Pho3nix Kids Triathlons are held over a very achievable distance – a 100-metre swim that is walkable, 1.2-kilometre bike ride and short run. All participants receive a Pho3nix t-shirt, swim cap, and finishers medal.
Combined attendance at the Pho3nix Kids Triathlon Series grew 3.75% between 2021 and 2023, while the 2024 Pho3nix Kids Gold Coast Triathlon reached full capacity in the free kids event, growing an astounding 23% from last year and bumping up participation targets for next year.
This year’s Pho3nix Gold Coast Triathlon drew more than 1,100 participants of all ages in triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon, and fun run categories boasting a 96.7% increase over its 2021 numbers.
These participants included 10 emerging Indigenous kids ages 12-14 who traveled from the Northern Territory to compete in the aquathlon, which featured an ocean swim. “We can’t swim [back home] due to crocodiles, so it will be nice for them to get in the ocean,” stated Lucy Berk of Tri NT pre-race.
The Pho3nix Kids Gold Coast Triathlon has also become a springboard for new triathlon talent: Siena Picton did her first triathlon at this event in 2021 after helping shoot workout videos for the Pho3nix Kids Youtube channel. She has since gone on to win bronze at the Queensland state championships and silver at nationals, with an eye toward representing Australia in the future.
“I can just see myself in their eyes; that was exactly me coming here, no idea what you’re doing and having some fun,” enthused Picton.
Event ambassador Chris McCormack was in attendance on the Gold Coast and noted proudly how the event has grown. The four-time world champion, Pho3nix Foundation board member, and Mana Global executive chairman said, “We started at 350 kids. Triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon entries sold out this year: 750 children participating. It’s incredible how the Pho3nix movement has grown. We started in triathlon, and we’ve now got over 50 triathlon events around the world.”
He added, “We’re also seeing more athletes going through the Pho3nix pathway program starting as kids at one of these events and going through the journey from participation all the way to progression. I’m so proud.”
The past three seasons have also seen Pho3nix Kids Triathlon events raise nearly $7,600 AUD in voluntary contributions for the Pho3nix Foundation, all of which will go toward supporting Pho3nix’s valuable work bringing sport to kids around the world.
The Pho3nix Kids Triathlon Series and Pho3nix Kids Gold Coast Triathlon are set to return for the 2024-2025 season, with entries opening in June. For further information, click here.
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