Sport
18 March, 2025
Young triathlete to represent the state
A YOUNG triathlete from Mareeba will soon be travelling to Western Australia to represent Queensland in the School Sport Australia National Triathlon Championships after qualifying at the recent State Championships in Hervey Bay.
Harley Sweeper is a talented, young triathlete and has already accumulated quite an impressive resume for his age.
The Year 9 St Stephen’s student has made the Peninsula side three times for track events, three times for cross country and four times for aquathlons and triathlons.
He has also made the State team once for an aquathlon, and now again for a triathlon following his recent success at the State Championships.
Harley began competing in aquathlons, a combined swimming and running event, when he was 10 years old as there were no options for school students under the age of 13 to compete in triathlons.
After turning 13, however, he was able to transition to triathlons which have been the focus of his training for about 18 months now.
Harley also enjoys playing rugby league and competing in running and swimming competitions separately.
“I began competing in triathlons because I already compete in running and swimming, so I thought I would give it a go,” the youngster said.
“I competed in aquathlons then decided to introduce the bike 18 months ago. It’s taken a while, but my cycling skills are improving.
“I do feel a bit nervous about competing at Nationals because there are a lot of strong competitors.
“I love these events because it combines two of my favourite sports which are running and swimming.”
Harley will head just south of Perth to Rockingham this Saturday where he will take on the top young athletes in the nation.
His age group will be completing a 300m swim, 10km bike ride, and 2km run for their triathlon.
“We are very proud parents. He works extremely hard, training mornings, afternoons and weekends,” his mother Melinda said.
“He has received substantial local support from coaches in Mareeba and Cairns, including Kevin Davies, who dedicated his mornings to coaching swimming.
“Kev actually provided swimming training for three of the four Peninsula team members that made the State team. We wish he was here to share the news.”
