AusTriathlon is thrilled to confirm the appointment of Daniel Unger OLY and Lara Davenport OAM OLY to the high performance team.
Daniel Unger has been appointed as Ascent Academy Coach, where he will focus on developing the nation’s most promising triathlon talent, while Davenport takes on the role of Wellbeing and Engagement Lead, focusing on fostering holistic athlete support within the program.
Daniel Unger OLY joins as Ascent Academy Coach
World Champion and Olympian Daniel Unger has been appointed Ascent Academy Coach, poised to inspire and develop the next generation of Australian triathlon talent.
Unger brings six years of experience within the German Triathlon Union as the Head Coach at the Olympic base in Saarbrücken. In this capacity, he led the development of some of Germany’s most successful triathletes, contributing significantly to the nation’s dominance in the sport.
AusTriathlon High Performance Director Shaun Stephens said Unger’s appointment is another significant step in building a world-class Ascent Academy program.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Daniel to AusTriathlon,” said Stephens.
“His proven track record as a world-class athlete and his passion for mentoring and inspiring young athletes align perfectly with our vision for developing future champions. We are confident that his expertise and infectious personality will significantly contribute to the success of our Ascent Academy program,” he said.
Unger said he’s looking forward to commencing the new role in Australia, and excited to help uncover the next generation of Australian triathletes.
“I’m delighted and looking forward to the new chapter of my life in Australia,” Unger said.
“It’s going to be a great challenge, especially working towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. I’m looking forward to being a part of the AusTriathlon High Performance team, and working with such talented people in our sport.
“Australia has a great history in triathlon, and I was inspired by Australian athletes at the start of my own athletic career.
“I’m counting down the days until my family and I relocate to Australia, and looking forward to supporting the future generations of triathletes,” he said.
Unger will join forces with Non Stanford-Royle, whose appointment as Ascent Academy Coach was announced last month. The duo will work together to guide the development of our high performance triathletes, helping them reach their full potential on the international stage.
Unger will begin his role in August when he relocates to Australia with his wife and two children.
Lara Davenport OAM OLY joins as Wellbeing and Engagement Lead
Olympic gold medallist Lara Davenport has been appointed as Wellbeing and Engagement Lead.
Davenport brings outstanding experience from her time as the Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement Lead at the Queensland Academy of Sport, supporting elite athletes through the pressures of high-level competition.
As an Olympian and World Championship swimmer, she has a deep understanding of the challenges athletes face and the importance of holistic support in a high-performance environment.
AusTriathlon High Performance Director, Shaun Stephens says Lara’s passion for athlete wellbeing and her proven ability to build strong relationships will be invaluable to the program.
“We are extremely fortunate to attract Lara to the AusTriathlon high performance program,” Stephens said.
“Lara’s appointment will significantly enhance the holistic support provided to our athletes, ensuring they perform as both people and competitors.”
Davenport said the opportunity to join AusTriathlon is an exciting one, and she’s looking forward to getting started in her new role.
“I am thrilled to be joining the AusTriathlon team, and look forward to supporting the personal and professional development of each individual,” Davenport said.
“Together with our athletes, we’ll work to achieve their goals in both sport and life…fostering growth and success along the way,” she said.
Davenport will officially begin her role on May 5th.
