Ambassadors

Green. Gold. Grit.

Harmony Ross — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 18:22:54 GMT

Just under two years ago, when I first clipped into a road bike, I never imagined I’d be wearing green and gold.

The journey since then has been wild, challenging, and full of unexpected turns. When I started triathlon in 2023, I leaned on TriDot to guide my training, and it quickly became more than just a program—it was a lifeline that helped me build confidence, structure, and strength. By 2024, I was proud to step into the role of ambassador, sharing that same support and encouragement with others just starting their journey.

Qualifying to represent Australia was surreal, but it came with its own set of challenges. Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Dysautonomia means that every training cycle looks different for me. EDS affects my joints, muscle stability, and recovery, while dysautonomia impacts my autonomic nervous system, making fatigue and regulation a constant hurdle. My performance expectations had to shift. Instead of chasing times, I’ve learned to focus on the simple but powerful goal of showing up and finishing strong.

When I line up in the green and gold, my only goal is to finish—to wear the @austriathlon uniform with pride and race while I can. I’m doing this not only for myself but also for everyone living with EDS and dysautonomia who can no longer do the things they love. Every stroke, pedal, and step is a tribute to them.

The adventure continues this season with IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast on September 14th, followed by Wollongong in October. Both are stepping stones on the way to something truly special: the World Triathlon Championship Finals in Wollongong, October 15–19, 2025. This multi-day festival will bring together elite athletes, para championships, age-group world championships, aquabike events, and mixed relays—a chance for our sport to showcase its diversity, resilience, and spirit on the global stage.

For me, the dream isn’t about medals or podiums. It’s about showing up, adapting, and persevering. It’s about celebrating what my body can do while it still can. And above all, it’s about gratitude—for the sport of triathlon, for the green and gold I now wear, and for every athlete who inspires me to keep moving forward.

Escape from Alcatraz: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Race

Tom Sens — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 18:22:53 GMT

The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon had been on my bucket list for years. When I entered the lottery in December 2024 and got in on my first try, I took it as a sign—it was finally happening.

Race week doubled as a “racecation” in wine country, but when race morning rolled around on June 1st, the sunny California skies were replaced with fog, wind, and temps in the 50s. Not ideal. Still, as I set up transition on the corner of Scott and Francisco streets (my bike brand and my middle name—another good omen!), I knew this day was going to be special.

The Swim

At 7 a.m., 1,500 athletes jumped from the San Francisco Belle into the icy Bay. When my turn came, I braced for the 56° shock and settled into a rhythm—freestyle for a stretch, then breaststroke to sight against the currents and swells. Spotting Fort Mason and the red roof of St. Francis Yacht Club kept me on course. Exiting the water, I couldn’t help but smile—years ago I feared open water, and now I had just swum from Alcatraz.

The Bike

The first two miles tested me—not physically, but mechanically. My electronic shifting was stuck in the big ring, and I crawled along while others flew past. Quitting crossed my mind, but finally the gears clicked back in, and I was off. The course delivered punishing climbs and teeth-chattering descents through fog and wind. By the halfway point, I’d warmed up and was flying.

The Run

The 8-mile run was more obstacle course than road race: narrow trails, a dark tunnel, a mile on the beach, and of course the infamous Sand Stairs—hundreds of sandy steps that torched the legs. Cresting the stairs, the final miles downhill opened up to breathtaking views of the Bay and a finish chute that felt like it went on forever. Hearing my name announced at the line was the perfect ending.

Final Thoughts

The Escape from Alcatraz was hands down the most unforgettable race I’ve ever done. From battling cold water and mechanical issues to conquering the Sand Stairs, every moment was an adventure. Huge thanks to my coaches and training partners who got me ready for this. If you ever get the chance—don’t pass it up. This race is truly the experience of a lifetime.

Shaking it Out in Hamburg with TriDot & HOKA

Neil Jones — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 18:22:53 GMT

In May, my wife Katie and I traveled to Hamburg for the IRONMAN World Championship—both of us proud TriDot coaches and ambassadors. We were excited not only to race but also to represent TriDot and support athletes as they prepared for the big day. The atmosphere was electric, with athletes from all over the world buzzing with pre-race anticipation.