About Us

Brisbane Triathlon Squad or BTS was formed in mid-2007 and since then has grown to over 200 members. In the past three years we have introduced many athletes to the sport of triathlon through numerous successful beginner courses. This is a reflection of how triathlon is one of the fastest growing sports in the World coupled with the great lifestyle offered living in South East Queensland.

At BTS we offer a program that caters for all abilities. This ranges from athletes competing at World Championships and Ironman events to those that enjoy improving their times, completing an event and socialising with friends.

To find out more about what BTS has to offer please contact us.

About Our Coaches

Head Coach | Mark Turner

Level 1 Triathlon
Level 2 Triathlon (pending)
Level 2 Running
Cert IV in Fitness

As an athlete Mark comes from a background of over 20 years competing in endurance sports. He did his first triathlon in the late 1980’s before turning his attention to running where he went on to represent Queensland in cross country running. After many years running he later became a boundary umpire in the national AFL competition, umpiring matches around Australia at the elite level for 7 years. Throughout  this time Mark continued to compete in triathlons and after retiring from umpiring in 2004, he has  further developed his triathlon experience competing in events from sprint through to Ironman.

During his time as an athlete Mark has overcome many challenges and now draws on this experience to assist the athletes he coaches. In 2008 he completed 3 Ironman Triathlons in 3 days to raise money for charity in the event known as the Tour de Tri. In 2009 he was also one of the athletes selected to represent Australia at the World Triathlon Championships on the Gold Coast.

As a coach Mark first started coaching athletes in his role as a Physical Education Instructor at the Queensland Police Academy from 1996-2001. During that time he has had the following coaching experiences:

1. Built and developed his own swim school in 2002 -2006 where he had over 600 students per week from babies through to adults.
2. Fitness and conditioning coach for AFL Queensland Umpires from 2004-2006.
3. Head cross country and track and field coach for Brisbane Girls Grammar for 2007-2009.
4. Head coach of Brisbane Triathlon Squad 2007- present.

 Mark is level 1 (level 2 pending) triathlon coach and level 1 distance run coach with a Certificate IV in Fitness.

Coach | Suzanne McCarthy

Suzanne comes from a varied sporting background and turned her attention to triathlon over four years ago. Since then she has completed numerous triathlons of all distances including Ironman Australia and representing New Zealand at the ITU Age Group World Championships on the Gold Coast. Her next goal is to improve her time at IM Oz with a visit to IM New Zealand.

Suzanne has worked with many of the BTS beginner squads and enjoys coaching those new to triathlon. Like many in the BTS squad, Suzanne balances training with work, family and other commitments. All coaches at BTS understand the difficulties for Age Group athletes to maintain a work/life/training balance and are all available to assist or provide advice where possible.

Coach | Tim Osborne

Level 1 Triathlon
Level 2 (Track and Field) Middle Distance
B.Tech.Ed.

Tim is a qualified teacher at St Paul’s School on Brisbane’s north side. Along with his triathlon and track & field coaching, he also has extensive coaching experience in the areas of soccer and cricket. Tim has a passion for longer distance triathlons (HIM and IM) and enjoys using his experience and expertise to assist other athletes with their training and reaching their goals.

Tim is currently planning another assault on long distance events throughout Australia, including the 24hr solo Tour de Tri, half Ironman and Ironman events.

Coach | John Agyik

John has been competing in triathlon and multi-sport races for over 10 years and is a top age group athlete in Queensland. He coaches a range of sessions and enjoys working with BTS athletes to help them achieve their goals.

John is very experienced at balancing full-time work, coaching, training and family commitments and is always available to provide advice on how to juggle the demands of being an age-group triathlete.

Coach | Bronwyn Platz

Level 1 Triathlon Coach
BA
BEd
Associate Diploma Outdoor Education BCAE

Bronwyn came from a swim coaching background but got the triathlon bug in 1994. She is a qualified teacher at Gregory Terrace Boys School in Brisbane and specialises in working with beginner triathletes. She plays a leading role in the BTS beginner triathlon courses.

Coach | Robson Bond

Robson has been competing in triathlons and running events for over 25 years and coaching for a large proportion of this time. He is the owner of specialist running shop, Active Stride at Southbank and is always keen for a chat or to provide advice and guidance.