For some the Gold Coast Triathlon Luke Harrop Memorial is just "another" for others, like myself, its a time to remember a great mate that was taken way to early. Luke Harrop never had the chance to realise his dream, the Olympics, but it reinforces each day to live it to your most as you never know when it may be taken away from you.

The Sunshine Coast Triathlon Academy / Hybrid Concept Australia Athletes were out in force for the Gold Coast Triathlon Luke Harrop Memorial ​with 24 athletes with 9 podium finishers amongst the 2000 competitors. We had 5 athletes in the top 100 in the sprint distance and all 6 of our Enticer competitors were in the top 60 overall.

It was perfect conditions for racing with a light breeze and warm temperatures so an earlier wave start was an advantage. Some very fast and furious racing out there by all the SCTA athletes which saw Kirra Seidel (Open Female) take out 2nd place chasing down the overall winner but just running out of road to catch her. It was great to see Rachel James (11th) in the Open's as well and not far off some of Queensland top Junior Females. We are seeing her progress with each race and seeing that improvement that she needs to be competitive at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

In the Men's, SCTA /HCAUS Junior Scholarship recipient Jake Hynes led the charge with a 13th place in a very competitive Open men's field. Not far out of the water behind the leaders and cycling against athletes on TT bikes while he is on road bike and no TT bars held his own to finish off with a strong run.

SCTA had a run of 2nd places today with a few just missing that winners dais, but still a great result for 2nd with Alex Barnes (16-19 Female), Michael Hooper (20-24 Male)
Maddison Dutton (20-24 Female) and Maureen Cummings (50-54 Female)​​. Just missing the podium in 4th place we had Melissa Charlton (30-34) and Belinda Seccombe (40-44) and in 5th place Kevin Hammond (35-39)

During the race weekend, in conjunction with Triathlon Australia and Ironman Asia Pacific they ran a Rising Stars Program with 40 athletes being selected into the program. SCTA had Elliot Gray, Macey Roberts, Ryan Marsh and Tahlea Corcoran selected into the program which saw them up close and personal with ITU WTS athletes that raced on the Saturday and eventually see all the rising stars participants compete in the Enticer Rising Stars Wave on Sunday. Elliot led the charge with 3rd place, with Macey 6th place, Tahlea 9th place and Ryan in 13th place.

Meanwhile in the Enticer (see report above about Rising Stars Program / Race) Meg Roberts (1st U/16) had a great race to take out the win, while Kayleigh Foster (2nd U14) had a great race to be on the podium.

In the Supakidz, Jemma Hynes (2nd 9 Years) continued her great season with another podium​ finish. Scott Marsh (5th 10 Years) just missed the podium in a very competitive category, Paige Hynes (8th 9 Years) continues to improve with each race and Maleah Roberts (15th 10 Years) had a strong race and finished it off with a smile.

Gold Coast Triathlon Luke Harrop Memorial - 10/4/16 - 750/20/5
Kirra Seidel - 2nd Place Open Female
Alex Barnes - 2nd Place​​ 16-19 Years Female
Michael Hooper - 2nd Place 20-24 Years Male
Maddison Dutton - 2nd Place 20-24 Years Female
Maureen Cummings - 2nd Place 50-54 Years Female
Melissa Charlton - 4th Place 30-34 Years Female​​​
Belinda Seccombe - 4th Place 40-44 Years Female
Kevin Hammond - 5th Place 35-39 Years Male
Jordan Wilkes - 7th Place 16-19 Years Male
Rachel James - 11th Place Open Female
Jake Hynes - 13th Place Open Male
Drew Westbrook - 14th Place 40-44 Years Male
Chris George - 23rd Place Open Male
Mark Corcoran - 31st Place 45-49 Years Male
Grant Cunning - 38th Place 30-34 Years Male​​​​​​

Enticer - 300/10/2.5
Meg Roberts - 1st Place U/16 Female
Kayleigh Foster - 2nd Place U/14 Female
Elliot Gray - 3rd Place Rising Stars Male
Macey Roberts - 6th Place Rising Stars Female
Tahlea Corcoran - 9th Place Rising Stars Female
Ryan Marsh - 13th Place Rising Stars Male​​​​​​

Superkidz - 100/2/400​
Jemma Hynes - 2nd Place 9 Years Female
Scott Marsh - 5th Place 10 Years Male
Paige Hynes - 8th Place 9 Years Female
Maleah Roberts - 15th Place 10 Years Female​​​​

Well done to all that raced. We will see SCTA athletes in action at the Tre-X Queensland Cross Triathlon Champs at Ewen Maddock Dam this Saturday where Brodie Gardner is leading the series. Good luck to all racing.​
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