Resilience, courage on show as NSWIS Triathletes compete in New Zealand

Proud NSW Triathlon Performance Centre Head Coach Liam O’Neill said a story of resilience and courage underpinned the performances of the New South Wales Institute of Sport scholarship athletes who competed at last Friday’s twilight Oceania Triathlon Cup at Wanaka, New Zealand.

While talented Luke Schofield broke through for his first podium finish at an Elite Continental Cup with his bronze medal performance, Tokyo Olympian Emma Jeffcoat crowned her return to action after being sidelined for almost a year by a series of challenging injuries to finish the women’s event with a determined fifth in a time of 54.17 minutes.

O’Neill – who coached at England’s world-renowned Leeds Triathlon Centre and was an integral part of the team behind the Great Britain Triathlon team that dominated the Tokyo Olympics before relocating to Australia – described Jeffcoat’s return to action as an insight into her “indomitable spirit.”

“Emma joined the NSW Performance Centre last year after navigating a challenging nine-month period which included a 15cm blood clot, an ankle reconstruction, and a femoral stress fracture,” said O’Neill.

“Emma’s performance in New Zealand – a commendable fifth place – showcased her indomitable spirit.

“It’s also important to acknowledge the NSWIS support team that has played an instrumental role in Emma’s successful comeback. The efforts, especially those of Ali Fitch (physiotherapist) and Justin Noonan (strength and conditioning), deserve credit.”

O’Neill was as equally impressed by the 25 year old Schofield’s finish behind Italian Alessi Crociani, and New Zealander Dylan McCullough. Schofield finished in Wanaka’s fading light in a time of 48.31. and O’Neill described the performance as an important “milestone” in Schofield’s career.

“This marks Luke’s inaugural podium finish at an Elite Continental Cup, and I think it showcased his resilience in the face of adversity,” he said.

In an outstanding evening for NSWIS triathletes, Schofield’s twin brother, Jayden, finished in fifth place (48.38).

Chloe Bateup – who is only in her second season as a senior athlete – performed brilliantly to secure seventh place in the Elite Women’s category in a time of 54.36. O’Neill said the performance had set Bateup with a strong foundation for what promises to be an exciting year ahead.

Jeffcoat will continue the next step of her comeback when she competes in the World Triathlon Cup in Napier next weekend. The competition will also allow 19 year old Joel Offord, the centre’s latest addition to follow the footsteps of his sister Tilly, who enjoyed a successful debut season representing NSWIS.

While young Offord will compete in the Oceania Triathlon Junior Championship, the Schofield twins and Bateup will have returned to Narrabeen for a focused four-week training block ahead of the Oceania Triathlon Sprint Championships in Devonport on March 16.

Daniel Lane, NSWIS