Airlie Beach Triathlon

_{08 October, 2008}

AIRLIE BEACH TRIATHLON
Ms JARRATT (Whitsunday—ALP) (10.10 pm): The Bligh government has set a range of goals in
our Toward Q2—Tomorrow’s Queensland vision that will challenge us and require all of us to step outside
our comfort zone to make real changes in our lives and our thinking paradigms. For me personally the
biggest challenge is becoming healthier through exercising more regularly and eating more wisely. As I
look around for inspiration I find it hard to go past the example set by the fantastic and dedicated athletes
who participate in the triathlon circuit. We saw them compete in the Olympic Games and they are often
featured on the small screen. However, nothing beats witnessing this physically gruelling event firsthand.
This was exactly what was offered in the 2008 Airlie Beach Triathlon.
This event, the 10th anniversary of the Airlie Beach Triathlon, was but one of a range of triathlon
related events to be held during the Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival of Sport. From humble beginnings in
1999 when a field of 75 competed in the first event, the triathlon has grown to an event that attracts more
than 250 competitors including world-class competitors, local athletes and teams who participate more for
the fun of it than the glory.
I am proud to say that, while I did not participate in the event itself, I was again this year given the
genuine honour of starting the sprint distance event which saw competitors swim, ride and run a course in
and around Airlie Beach. It was great to see so many schoolkids competing either as individuals or in
teams. This year the open winner was 20-year-old Brisbane resident Samuel Betten, who completed the
course in a stunning 56.3 minutes. Anthony McSweeney came in second, with veteran athlete Brad Beven
third.
One triathlete, however, did not finish the race. Sadly, Chris Rawling, a 20-year-old from South
Australia, collided with a noncompetitor who inexplicably rode a BMX bike across Chris’s path. The result
was quite devastating for Chris, who suffered head, facial and back injuries in the resultant fall. However,
contrary to reports in the Brisbane media, Chris did receive medical assistance and paramedic attention in
a timely manner and was transported to Proserpine Hospital and then on to Townsville Hospital.
Chris is now out of hospital, but I want to put on record the best wishes of everyone in my
community and our admiration for his courage and resilience during his convalescence. This was a tragic
accident that could not have been foreseen by the event organisers. The BMX rider has been charged with
dangerous operation of a vehicle causing grievous bodily harm whilst being adversely affected by liquor.
He will face court at the end of this month.
I am glad to say that this terrible accident has not diminished the success of the event. I place on
record my admiration for Wendy Downes, the event organiser, and her band of energetic helpers who
helped to make the triathlon a great event. As usual, there was a range of volunteers who pitched in to help
including the SES, who always do a great job. I am also proud that the state government was again able to
sponsor the triathlon through the Queensland Events Regional Development Program.
Time expired.

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