When a family of six decide that five of them want to enter a Tri event, insert a whole lot of coordination, fun and laughter.

Holly Sherman and her family moved to Byron Bay from Melbourne unexpectedly during the pandemic. What started out as a temporary ‘escape’ for 6 weeks during the Melbourne lockdown in June/ July 2020 turned into an adventure of a lifetime and one that has formed great memories and experiences.

Holly says “each of us got into the Byron lifestyle; regularly surfing, morning dips in the ocean and walks to the lighthouse” and admits that sport runs deep within their DNA.

Both Holly and her husband Richard competed in a few triathlons in their later twenties, with Holly loving to swim, ride and run growing up in a very sporty household (her dad Rob Fildes was a decathlete, ranked No.1 in Australia and No. 14 in the world in 1971).

Richard is also a keen sportsman playing cricket and competing in marathons in both Melbourne and New York.

Their first triathlon as a family was Byron Bay Tri in 2022 where all of them competed, besides their 5-year-old, although we hear he would have loved to! Hollys says “it was fabulous to participate again years later with our children, but I prefer to watch my children compete these days, and the biggest challenge is to see them all in each leg! There is a lot of running as a spectator and to catch sight of each of them and shout words of encouragement is not easy!”

The fact their child with additional needs is welcomed wholeheartedly is a particular motivation for the family choosing to participate in triathlons. “The three triathlon’s my daughter has competed in have all been a super positive experience for her and our family. The event staff have gone out of their way to make sure we are looked after and given her just that little bit more attention required” Holly says.

During the events, their daughter won the hearts of many with her determination and how happy she was to be involved and included. Holly explained, “the same feeling of happiness was felt by us, her parents and I’m sure she made her siblings really proud too”.

When asked what changes she would like to see that would make competing easier for families like hers, Holly explained that continuing to promote triathlons as an all-inclusive event is very important.

“Being included is one of the best feelings in the world. To be a part of something and be able to comfortably participate and be accepted just as you are, is so important for mental health and wellbeing and it’s also important for society to celebrate individuals for their differences”.

Holly also has an online swimwear/ active wear business, Back Beach Rd (www.backbeachrd.com.au), which has a new product range of swimactive wear, targeted towards kids in triathlons, with a women’s range coming soon!

At times we can find ourselves watching from the sidelines and never quite get the courage to join in, but this is definitely not the case for Byron Bay resident and Tri club member, Deb Fuller.

Deb has always lived an active lifestyle and as a keen runner was drawn to the sport of Triathlon after moving to Byron in 2007. A casual walk into town that same year found her watching in awe as athletes whizzed past during the 2007 Byron Bay Tri. From that moment she knew this is what she wanted to try next.

Fast forward to 2008 and with some encouragement from Geoff Bensley – well-known local, and key organiser of the BBT – Deb entered her very first Tri at the age of 46! Deb claims she was never a keen swimmer nor a cyclist, but she could run and that’s where she was most comfortable.

Open water swimming for her was terrifying and she openly admits she started off holding the hand of one of her swim buddies, but as she says, “everyone has to start somewhere”! It took her almost 10 years to find the courage to join the local swim squad and today she actively encourages new triathletes from the Byron Tri Club to sign up.

Cycling also had a similar start for her, after borrowing a friend’s bike and having the chance to ride up and down the closed freeway she found out how much fun riding can be as she sped back and forth thinking “WOW I can cycle”. Needless to say, Deb was hooked and joined the local cycling club.

With some 40 or so Tri events under her belt, Deb has become well known up and down the Mid North Coast as a key member of the Byron Tri Club. If there is a Tri event on, Deb can be found helping to organize the 50+ strong members that form the club and still find time and energy to compete herself. Deb says “Being part of a Triathlon Club provides not only structure and access to coaches and training sessions but a sense of community and family.  Everyone cheers each other on and a win for a team member is shared as a win for the whole club”.

When asked what her most memorable event was, she proudly says “the Hervey Bay 100” – an event she had always dreamed of competing in, but as many of us experienced during the unexpected events of 2020 and 2021 any plans we may have had were thrown into chaos. Set back after set back, including a broken foot and a bout of the dreaded Covid, had Deb feeling quite underdone regarding training, but in true style she made it to the start line, and finished the event making the podium. A definite bucket list tick for her.

Deb also works hard encouraging women to try a tri and is the driving force behind the “Women’s Only” FREE program offered by the Byron Tri Club designed to introduce women to triathlons and duathlons in a safe and fun environment. “There has also been a major drive by Triathlon Australia to increase female participation in the Sport and our club has seen a significant increase in female members. There are more women participating in our training sessions and races than ever before”, Deb says.

The sport of Triathlon is demanding as well as rewarding, but with women and men like Deb encouraging new members to join and supporting those looking to excel it can only go from strength to strength.