As the Australian triathlon community nears closer to a home World Championships in Wollongong in October, athletes from across the country are putting in the work to ensure they are a part of the team donning the green and gold.
Jodie Barker is a triathlete from the ACT, who is preparing to qualify to represent the 2025 Australian Age Group Team later this year in Wollongong.
“I have been involved with triathlons since 1995,” Barker said.
“I was a high school runner and surf lifesaver before that, with 2025 set to be my 30th year involved in the sport.
“I initially started in the short/enticer/sprint distance triathlons, and then I moved into Olympic Distance, and into Half Ironman and Ironman Distance of which I have competed 7 times, including the Ironman Triathlon World Championships in Hawaii.
“Over my time I have completed 28 full Ironman’s, but in the past 6 years I have moved back into the shorter distance races.”
With 30 years of experience in the sport, Jodie has had the opportunity to experience many different race locations, both at home and abroad – including representing Australia in six Age Group Teams, as well as the last time the World Championships were held in Australia.
“A highlight of my triathlon journey has been travelling around to many beautiful locations around Australia and around the world,” she said.
“And with that, comes meeting like minded athletes and wonderful people, who when they ask where I am from, I proudly say Australia.
“My favourite places to compete have been New Zealand and Hawaii, the culture in both countries make any trip for a triathlon a rewarding experience.
“I love the challenge of competing in qualifying races throughout Australia, with the ultimate goal of qualifying to be part of Team Australia.
“To be part of a Triathlon Australia Team in either Duathlon, Triathlon, Aquathon or Long Course Triathlon means I have worked hard, and committed to the goal of wearing the Australian Uniform with Pride.
“I am married to a Military Serving member – who is in the Air Force. He wears an Australian Uniform with pride each day to work, and for me, I take that same pride in wearing the Team Australia colours.
“Having a World Championships in the Oceania Region is always great, there is less travel for us, and also familiarity of food and culture.
“It also means family and spectator support on race day is somewhat “greater” for team Australia.”
Being a part of the triathlon community has been a crucial part of Jodie and her partners lives, and is a big part of why she is still racing 30 years in.
“The community aspect of Triathlon is very important to me,” Barker said,
“As mentioned, I am married to a Military Serving member, and this means we move location every few years.
“But being involved with triathlon makes the transition into a new location a bit easier, as my husband and I will join a local club and get involved really quickly to make new friends and training partners.
“To any one looking to get involved in triathlon, or take that next step and represent Australia – just give it a go.
“I have been involved in the sport for 30 years, and there are so many different distances of races to try, and many locations that you can travel to.
“You will meet a great group of people, some of whom will become lifelong friends.
“We are all super nervous before a race, that is OK – because nerves bring out the best in us.”
With hopes of securing her place on yet another Australian team, Jodie took on three National Selection Events in the Sprint Distance category to be eligible for selection for the 2025 World Triathlon Championship Finals in Wollongong.
Her qualifying campaign included the 2024 Nepean Triathlon in Penrith, the Jackie Fairweather Memorial Triathlon in Canberra, and Triathlon Batemans Bay, NSW. Each race has earned her valuable points toward her ultimate goal of proudly donning the green and gold once again. The Preliminary 2025 Australian Age Group Triathlon Team will be announced on the AusTriathlon website by 5pm AEST on Monday the 26th of May 2025.
If you are interested in finding your unstoppable, the 2025 Australian Age Group Triathlon Team Expression of Interest Applications will close at 5pm AEST on Monday the 28th of April 2025, click here to find out more.
