HIGH PERFORMANCE JUNIOR TRIATHLON SQUAD FORMED

Local triathlon, running and cycling apparel company WYN REPUBLIC, owned operated by Ironman and Ironman 70.3 Champion Triathletes, Beth and Luke McKenzie, has partnered with RACE PACE COACHING to form a local Junior High Performance Triathlon Squad.
The three founding members of the squad are all young local athletes that have been part of Race Pace Coaching for around 4 years. The athletes are Alexa Leary 17,(Noosaville) Harry Ladd 16 (Coorooibah), and Chloe McLennan 16 (Tewantin). All three have performed impressively in State, National and International Competition and have earned their position in the squad through not only excellent results but consistent effort in training over an extended period.
Alexa is current Age Champion for the Noosa Triathlon, Harry is current State Champion in Age for Triathlon and Off Road Triathlon. Chloe is current World Age Group Champion and also State Champion.
The squad formation has been the vision of three generations of the McKenzie family and is in a sense in honour of the contribution of recently deceased family member, Melva McKenzie, who made a life-long contribution to seeking funding and opportunity for sport and in particular junior sport in the Coff's Harbour area. Melva was a Peregian Springs resident up until her recent passing and in her later life became a keen triathlon supporter.
Luke McKenzie and sister Jacque were part of the inaugural AIS Triathlon squad and are well acquainted with Junior development having been through that system as athletes. Jacque is now a coach at Race Pace Coaching, along with her father Peter. Both are Triathlon Australia Performance ( level2 ) coaches and are heavily involved in junior development and operate a squad locally for both adults and juniors of all ages and abilities, based in Tewantin and Peregian.
Luke McKenzie has had a long, successful career of 20 years as a professional triathlete and has been on hand to provide some valuable mentoring for the squad ahead of coming competition. He and wife Beth, whilst still racing, are both relishing the opportunity to support home-grown junior athletes through this squad and to bring forward the next generation of Australian triathletes. The brand WYN REPUBLIC is a very high quality product and is an excellent match for athletes who are wanting to look smart and perform at their best.
It is anticipated that other members will be added to this squad over time, as they transition to the age for Junior Elite and performance standards are reached. The focus is on a specific age group 16-23yrs, and its members will be competitive at the highest National Junior Level. The intent is to support athletes through the Junior Elite Pathway that leads to National selection up to Under 23yrs and ultimately towards a professional career in the sport.