A THREE generation family - aged 13, 42 and 66 - recently took on the 16th annual, Bunbury Women's Triathlon.
Held on Sunday, November 14, triathlete Sarah Behan, her mother Susan Pember, and her daughter Annabelle Behan, underwent a 300 metre swim, a 12 kilometre ride and three kilometre run.
The 2021 event marked the first time Susan, who braced the 300 metre swim for the team, took part in the event.
Sarah said the event marked a "nice opportunity" for the three generations (also their team name) to come together.
"Now Annabelle can look back in 20 years' time and see that she took part in the triathlon with us both," Sarah said.
"I took part in the triathlon in 2019 and Annabelle took part in 2020, but we just thought it would be a nice to include mum because we might not get that chance again.
"You just don't know what's around the corner in life."
The Bunbury Women's Triathlon, sponsored by Brecken Health, is a non-competitive event hoping to "encourage, empower and embrace all ladies of all ages", to say "I am a triathlete".
The event offers both a sprint distance (the category the family enjoyed) and an enticer distance of a 200 metre swim, an eight kilometre ride and a two kilometre run.
Annabelle, who is a BEST student at Bunbury Senior High School, successfully completed the three kilometre run, while Sarah completed the 12 kilometre ride in slightly windy conditions.
She said the event encouraged women of all ages to "get out there" and put their mind to something, including her mother, Susan.
"I originally suggested the triathlon to mum in September as something good we could all do together," Sarah said.
"She was like, maybe I'll just walk the run, but I said no I reckon you can do it, it doesn't matter how long it takes you.
"She took a longer time to complete the swim because she's not a swimmer, but she never gave up.
"I'm so proud of her and I really got emotional when she came out of the water."
Sarah recommended other women in the South West take on the triathlon for 2022, saying it was "definitely doable" for all fitness levels.
She said Susan began training at the pool two to three times a week and then was able to successfully complete the 300 metre swim.
"Looking at the event can be a bit daunting but Bunbury Tri Club definitely hold sessions to show you how to transition.
"It's definitely a good event to be part of and a really fun morning because it's not competitive, it's just about crossing the finish line and doing something that you've put your mind to.
It's not about being competitive; it's just about crossing the finish line and doing something that you've put your mind to.
- Triathlete Sarah Behan
"It's a great feeling."
She said she was "really proud" of the strong women in her family, being the only daughter to Susan, and Annabelle being her only daughter out of her four children.
"More than anything, we really encouraged each other to keep going.
"We'll definitely try to do it again next year as a team again."
Sarah thanked the many sponsors of the 2021 Bunbury Women's Triathlon and the Bunbury Tri Club.
To find out more about the club, visit http://www.bunburytriclub.com/.
Pip Waller
After working in film and television production in Perth, I returned to my hometown of Bunbury to further my skill set as a journalist. I am passionate about the empowerment of women and giving a voice to the unheard members of our community. You can contact me at pip.waller@austcommunitymedia.com.au
After working in film and television production in Perth, I returned to my hometown of Bunbury to further my skill set as a journalist. I am passionate about the empowerment of women and giving a voice to the unheard members of our community. You can contact me at pip.waller@austcommunitymedia.com.au
