Year 12 student Declan Weir has qualified
for the Australian 18-19 year old ITU World Championships to be held on the
Gold Coast on September 16 this year. Declan gained selection through competing
in selection races throughout the 2017-18 season which placed him third overall
prior to his selection. After taking out the 2016-17 Gatorade Tri-Series for
his age group Declan had his sights set on selection in the Australian team.
Declan, now 17, has been competing in Triathlon for seven years. Under
the guidance of his coaches Cam Callahan and Darren Crowther from the Sharks
Triathlon Club he trains up to 12 times a week as well as completing his Year
12 studies. He has also been a committed member of Mount Gravatt High’s Athlete
Development Program throughout 2017-2018. His dedication and desire to improve
has not gone unnoticed by his Strength and Conditioning Coach – Mr Brad
Pillette-Hughes. “Declan has seen significant improvements in his baseline
scores because of his exceptional commitment to the program.” Mr Pillette-Hughes
said.
Earlier this year Declan was also named the Metropolitan East
Triathlon Team Captain, a role that he performed exceptionally well in.
Declan’s longer-term goals include finishing year 12 and perhaps going on to
complete a Sports Science Degree. He is also hoping to qualify for the Opens
age group in the ITU world championships.