Vikings History
Vikings Triathlon Club is a non-profit association established in 1997 as a swim squad by a small group of families in the Tuggeranong Valley looking to maintain some fitness, in a fun and social environment. Since this time, our membership has steadily grown and includes people of all ages and abilities, with the Club continuing to pride itself on its friendly and social atmosphere, whilst at the same time offering both the serious and ‘not so serious’ athlete professional triathlon coaching services.
Our Vision
A strong community of active people demonstrating a shared passion for triathlon and multi-sports.
Our Mission
The Vikings Triathlon Club strives to promote the sport of triathlon and multi-sports by encouraging involvement and participation. The club aims to support members developing their skills and fostering a friendly and inclusive community.
Our Values
Our club values: quality coaching which enables high quality triathlon training programs; honesty and integrity that is demonstrated to the community via our communications and in our behaviour towards one another; family by providing opportunities for all ages to participate and celebrate their achievements in triathlon and associated endurance events; and living active, healthy lifestyles.
Our Racing History
Many of our members have represented the Club, the Territory, or Australia in some amazing races including the World Ironman Championships in Hawaii, Ironman Australian , World Triathlon Championships, Xterra World Championships, Australian Schools Championships and a wide variety of domestic and international races. Our members have competed in on-road and off-road triathlons, endurance events, ultra events and many varied events involving the disciplines of swimming, cycling and running. The club runs a Novice Program in conjunction with Aus Triathlon and Canberra Multisport Events each year. The Novice Program is designed to introduce new people into the sport and the focus is on participation, not competition. For those who finish their first season of racing after completing a Novice Program it is an accomplishment in itself!
How Triathlon Originated
In 1974 in Mission Bay, Southern California, a group of friends began training together. Amongst them were runners, swimmers and cyclists and before long training sessions turned into informal races. Directed and conceived by Jack Johnstone and Don Shanahan the first Mission Bay Triathlon was held on September 25th 1974 and welcomed 46 athletes. Triathlon’s foundations had been set! In Hawaii, 1978, an argument arose regarding which of the three disciplines required the greatest endurance. At that time Hawaii hosted The Waikiki Rough Water Swim (2.4 miles), The Oahu Bike Race (112 miles) and The Honolulu Marathon (26.2 miles). Originally events in themselves, they were rolled into one to become the ‘Hawaii Ironman Triathlon.’ The event attracted 15 athletes and of them only 12 crossed the finish line. By 1982 the Hawaii Ironman gained extensive coverage on ABC World Wide Sport and participation levels had increased to 580 competitors. Last year over 3000 athletes completed the grueling challenge.