Meet a Member
Volker Grimm
Noosa Tri Club member for 2 years
What is your favourite discipline in Triathlon?
With only two successful Noosa Tri‘s under my belt I am still very much a rookie in the sport, and I only really started swimming during Covid lockdowns. I had previously done running events and also some fairly challenging cycling stage races, but swimming has never been a sport for me. I was totally terrified ahead of the first race swim two years ago. To my complete surprise I did not drown, even finished the swim faster than I had anticipated. I will go with the swim leg as my favourite discipline, it still is the biggest challenge for me, and who doesn‘t like a good challenge.
What is your favourite Noosa Tri Club training session?
I love the transition training events. You can loose a fair amount of time in the transitions during a race. Having a safe environment to train just transitions, going through three mini-tri‘s in one morning, is a great way to experiment and learn.
What was your first lie to your parents?
I grew up in a Christian household, we would never lie to each other. ;-)
Juliette Neve
Noosa Tri Club member for 9 years
What do you like most about Triathlon? The Training or the Events? And why?
I really enjoy the atmosphere of club training. Training with the group motivates me to push myself that little bit harder than I would if I was training on my own. Club training sessions are a great motivator and social outlet, especially the coffee stops on long rides. Whether it be club swim training at both the pool or social swims in the ocean, the Saturday social ride, club bike training mornings, or run sessions there is something for everyone everyday of the week.
What is your favourite aspect of being a NTC member?
The friends I have made being part of the club. I love to see the young and more mature members at events competing and socialising together.
Do you eat before your morning training session?
Usually a Banana, coffee and sometimes anti-inflammatories.
Emma Ferris
Noosa Tri Club member for 2 years
What is your favourite Triathlon or Multisport event? Where is it?
Noosa Tri will always hold a special place in my heart – first Tri I ever did. Something very special about it being on our home turf, where we are lucky to train in this exquisite town everyday. So many great traditions – the club pre-race spin on the Saturday out to Gyndier and back. Jumping on the early morning Noosa Tri Ferry on race day & cruising along the stunning Noosa river into town, onboard with a mix of fellow age group athletes all buzzing with anticipation, the calm before the storm’. Gathering on Main Beach with Coach Nick and club buddies for our warm up swims and group photos and calming those pre-race nerves. Noosa really comes alive with a bustling community atmosphere, with lots of support on course from locals cheering you on or hosing you down as you run past their front lawns cooling you off on the run leg. It also feels extra special knowing you’re out there with your NTC training buddies and the best part is celebrating over a beer in the club tent post race and sharing the race stories. Not to mention the after party!
What is your favourite NTC training session?
That’s a tough one because you can love & loathe them equally But if you commit to them consistently you see the progress and reap the rewards of your hard work. I Love Gyndier Drive hill reps as a full moon is setting and the sun is rising, it’s so pretty and makes you love being out there training amongst the beauty of nature whilst getting stronger climbing the hill.
Track squad has a great crew with loads of banter pre & post efforts, these sessions really improve your running and Hill reps at Viewland Drive definitely make you a stronger runner and the views from the top are a well deserved reward for your efforts.
Eumerrella Rd Time Trials more commonly known as ‘The Race of Truth’ have become another favourite, a great way to really test your speed and channel your inner mongrel on the bike!
Monday morning Swim squads at the NAC are the perfect way to set you up to win your week ahead. Consistency & commitment at squads are key to success.
Where did you grow up?
Melbourne girl.
David Mountseer
3 year NTC member and proudly 80 years and 8 months old
What do you like about being in the Noosa Tri Club?
Its about being part of a community, making connections, we are from somewhere else and haven’t been here all that long, so it is about making connections with people with a common interest.
Where abouts are you from?
I am actually from QLD, but left here when I was 15, so I haven’t been here for 75 years
Why did you get involved with the Noosa Tri Club?
I got involved because of Renee. It is called pressure.
Have you participated in any other sport?
Yes. Cricket, tennis, squash. Lots of tennis. Nothing particularly serious after I left high school, where I represented the school in both tennis and cricket. Won a “Blue” for bowling(5 for12) in 1960!! Plus, huge amounts of body surfing. Between ages of 7 and 15, lived in Nambour, spend hundreds of hours in the surf, mainly at Coolum. Taught to swim by one of the Parkyn’s of Mooloolaba. {Taught??!! – one lesson at Mooloolaba, that was it!! (Ask Jan Croft about my s – – t style!!) and that was it}. Also did a bit of pool swimming in the 25mtr pool in Nambour and then Gunnedah NSW, where I was surrounded by champions. (My first girlfriend was Mavis Bayliss, a NSW State breast stroke champion. Always much happier body surfing, however. Of course, back then, I wasn’t the least bit interested in Noosa. Why?? no surf!
Sophie Meldrym
Joined Jan 2024
What do you like about being part of the Noosa Tri Club?
As a complete newbie to triathlon, joining the Noosa Tri Club has been an invaluable experience. The club fosters a strong sense of inclusion, offering a wealth of knowledge, advice, and support, as well as a fantastic social community. Being part of the club has allowed me to connect with people across all age groups, many of whom I now consider close friends and training buddies. The early mornings and consistent training sessions can sometimes make it hard to stay motivated, but having a group of people to meet, chat to and train with makes it not only more enjoyable but also far more sustainable. The diversity within the club creates a unique blend of experience, and everyone I’ve met has been nothing short of supportive, kind, and always willing to help—whether it’s answering questions, calming pre-race nerves, or offering valuable tips and advice.
How long have you been in the club for?
I have been training with the Noosa Tri Club since January 2024 when I came across the weekly program of training sessions the club has to offer.
When did you start Triathlon?
I started training for my first triathlon in December of 2023!
How did you get involved in Triathlon?
My involvement in Triathlon started at the end of 2023, when I cheered on my aunt and uncle from the sidelines at the Noosa Triathlon. Watching them race was incredibly inspiring and their determination sparked something in me. I immediately knew I wanted to take on the challenge myself so I signed up for the 2024 Noosa Tri and committed to a year of training to prepare for the race.
Where did you grow up and what was it like?
Though born in Sydney, Australia, I spent much of my early childhood living an expatriate lifestyle, moving between Hong Kong, Seoul, and Moscow before the age of 10. During this time, I attended six different schools, each offering a unique curriculum and providing me with the opportunity to immerse myself in diverse cultures, traditions, and languages. It’s safe to say my childhood has sparked a serious love for travel.
At 12, I returned to Sydney to attend boarding school, where I completed my secondary education (Years 7-12), while my family continued to move abroad. Living away from home was challenging at times, especially with the time zone differences that separated me from my family, but it was also an incredibly rewarding experience. Boarding school gave me the opportunity to form lifelong friendships and taught me invaluable life lessons that continue to shape who I am today.
Are you into any other sports or activities?
Throughout my childhood and teenage years, I was a competitive swimmer, participating in events across Asia, so I’ve always felt I had an edge in the swim leg of triathlon! At boarding school, I embraced every sport I could—whether it was softball, basketball, netball, sports aerobics, touch football, water polo, or tennis. I’ve always had a passion for sport, trying my hand at anything that came my way.
These days, when I’m not triathlon training, you’ll find me doing Pilates, walking in the Noosa National Park, or enjoying the local food scene by taste-testing the many restaurants on the Coast.