Category: Athlete Profiles

An athlete returning to endurance sport and ready to see what her body is capable of in the cycling world. But don’t discount triathlon again just yet ! …. With a love for discipline, chasing goals and seeing results, Stef has shown that dedication and drive can take you a long way in life – no matter which path you take…

Name: Stef Rankin

Nickname: No nicknames – Stef will do nicely!

Age / Age Group: 45-49

Lives: Ashwood, Vic

Targeted Sport: Cycling, via Triathlon, Pole Dancing and Bodybuilding!

Years in the Sport: Six years, followed by a six year or so hiatus

How did you get started: I was introduced to triathlon by a guy I was seeing for a while and enjoyed the sense of community and the energy of the events. I later signed up for my first mini tri and swimming lessons on the same day! As a 32 year old I had decided that it was time that I learned how to swim properly (passably?!) and signing up for a race was a good motivator to make it happen 😀

Why I choose CPC: I knew of Sarah and her coaching style through the Victorian triathlon scene and whilst I didn’t know her personally, her approach and the community that she appeared to be building with CPC definitely appealed, in addition to her experience and the well rounded service that she offered. I’m really excited to see where I can go!

What I ‘get’ from my sport: Like so many would say I’m sure, training gives me energy, keeps me sane, and allows me to set and strive for sporting goals which may perhaps initially seem unachievable. I love the discipline of structured training and the feeling that hitting milestones, PBs and goals gives me. Now that my son is older (six and a half) I also love to share some of my active lifestyle with him – last year we did Run the Rock out at Mt Macedon together and crossing the finish line of the kids run with him was absolute gold. I also greatly appreciate the community spirit and the camaraderie that comes from being around people who have similar goals and aspirations.

Ultimate Goal:  From a sporting perspective, at the moment my ultimate goal is to safely – and strongly (if you can put it like that!) – complete Peaks Challenge well within the cut off time; I’m also toying with the idea of throwing my hat in the ring for ITT, because who doesn’t enjoy feeling like their lungs and legs are going to part company with you?!

What I couldn’t live without: Ooooh that’s a tough one. At the moment, my nightly fruit, cheese and dark mint chocolate late snack?!

Biggest love: Well, for a love like no other, I can’t look beyond my son, Parker. Otherwise, as odd a choice as this may seem – progression. Getting stronger, getting faster, seeing results, seeing change, whether in cycling, running, bodybuilding. life in general.

Pet peeve!: Not a peeve per se but I have a rather irrational and very intense dislike of the song, Holy Grail by the Hunters and Collectors. Can’t stand it lol.

Interesting fact about me: Ha I’m not very interesting, however I’m a sucker for creativity and after giving up triathlon I danced and did burlesque for three years, got into competitive bodybuilding, and started making elaborate cakes, fondant cookies, costumes etc. Love colour and sparkle!!

Socials: Instagram

A kiwi living in Regional Victoria, who is ready to dip her toes in the water and try her hand at triathlons! A dog lover, lover of health and fitness and cleanliness! ‘Ants’ is ready to set her triathlon wheels in motion! 🙂

Name: Antonia Wilson

Nickname: Ants (not very inventive hey) haha

Age / Age Group: 35

Lives: Bendigo, Vic

Targeted Sport: Triathlon

Years in the Sport: 0, none, zilch! It’s never too late to start something, right?!!

How did you get started: I have always wanted to get into triathlon because I love running and cycling.

Why I choose CPC: As a triathlon newbie I needed a coach that wasn’t just knowledgeable and would push me to reach my goals but I also needed someone supportive and approachable. Sarah is all of these things so it was a no-brainer.

What I ‘get’ from my sport: It’s more than just health and fitness. Pushing myself beyond what I thought I was capable of is how I grow as a person.

Ultimate Goal:  I would love to complete a 70.3 but for now my sights are set on just completing a triathlon!

What I couldn’t live without: Coffee. Without a doubt!

Biggest love: My very spoiled but very cute dog, Arthur.

Pet peeve!: Messiness, I’m a neat freak.

Interesting fact about me: I’m a Kiwi but I’m losing my twang!

Follow me on Socials:
> Strava
> Instagram

Following in his wife’s footsteps into the triathlon realm only 12 months ago, Shaun too caught the ‘triathlon bug’, and has thrown himself into his training and now has his sights on his first Half Ironman !

Name: Shaun Wilton

Nickname: NONE! (maybe we need to change that…) ;-p

Age / Age Group: 46

Lives: Box Hill North, VIC

Targeted Sport: Triathlon

Years in the Sport: 1 !

How did you get started: My wife joined a 6 week “Get into Tri” program with the Nunawading Triathlon Club back in Jan 2020 and raced in two of the 2XU races that season. She then joined the club formally and continued to train after the season finished. Leading into the 20/21 season and watching my wife train all year for it, I thought I would give it a crack and joined the same 6 week program in Jan 21. It was a big step for me as I have never been a ‘sports’ person but really wanted to improve my health and fitness.

Why I choose CPC: My wife (there is a theme here!) engaged with CPC to help her prepare for both the 2XU season as a whole and, more importantly, her first Olympic distance Tri. After seeing first hand the approach CPC took to coaching, I knew it would be the right choice for me as I felt I needed the structure in the off season as well as ramping up to my first 70.3 in November 2022.

What I ‘get’ from my sport: I love the people, both at the Nunawading Triathlon Club, but as a whole. The triathlon community is so welcoming, supportive and fun! Having so many motivated, happy and helpful people around you has such a positive impact. I also love the races, as I have never played a sport or competed in anything in my life until now. Whilst I am not chasing podiums, it is the thrill, the nerves and adrenalin that you get to experience!

Ultimate Goal:  Still trying to figure this one out… maybe just being able to commit to a goal!!

What I couldn’t live without: Sugar… sigh, I really need to do something about that!!

Biggest love: Overseas travel with my family… it’s been a while!!

Pet peeve!: The lack of common courtesy these days.

Interesting fact about me: I have, what looks like, a second left knee cap. Caused by Osgood Schlatters from when I was a teenager.