Grenfell will have four representatives at the titles, mother and daughter Sarah Armstrong and Jane Ryder who still reside in the town, will be joined by former Grenfell residents Amanda Livingstone and Wayne Heathcote.

Amanda now lives in Orange and Wayne in Sydney.

Wayne will be competing for Australia in the sprint and standard distance races, a gruelling schedule which will see him race on Thursday and Sunday next week.

Sarah is taking on an identical assignment while Amanda and Jane will both tackle the sprint courses in their respective age groups in elite company against athletes from throughout the world..

Jane and Sarah made their world championship debuts in last year’s titles which were held in Rotterdam in the Netherlands in conditions far removed from what they will encounter on the Gold Coast next week.

In Rotterdam last year Jane was also battling a virus that nearly saw her not make it to the start line.

The Australian triathletes compete in a series of races over the season accumulating points in each race with a team of 20 then selected in each age division at the end of the race season based on points.

Sarah qualified through races at Yarrawonga, Townsville, Canberra, St Kilda, Kurnell and Wollongong.

Jane’s path to qualification took her to Yarrawonga, Canberra, Wollongong and Huskisson.

Sarah qualified through races at Canberra, Huskisson and Yarrawonga.

Sarah and Jane have been training in Grenfell, Cowra and Forbes where they have access to an indoor pool, albeit only a 17 metre facility.

They, along with Amanda, do most of their training under the guidance of Orange coach Dan Benton.

“I reckon Dan has timed my preparation to perfection, I feel well, I feel strong, I feel fit,” Jane said, in contrast to her race week last year.

Sarah was ill earlier this week but is now on the mend.

“I went down bad,” said Sarah, who has abstained from alcohol in her lead up to the titles.

“There’s been quite a few things come up where she has just been the designated driver,” Jane said.

Amanda, who is a member of the Orange Triathlon Club says she is very excited to be representing Australia, having taken part in only a limited number of events.

“I am very proud to be representing the Orange Piranahs and my country in the age group event,” Amanda said.

“I have worked very hard over the past few months mentally and physically for the event and am ready to challenge myself in such a huge event.

“What makes it even more exciting is being part of the AUS team alongside so many training mates and local triathletes,” Amanda said.

The standard distance race involves a 1500 metre swim, 40km bike ride and 10 km run while the sprint is a 750 metre swim, 20km bike ride and 5km run.

NEW SEASON STARTS IN OCTOBER

The Cowra Triathlon Club’s new season begins on Sunday, October 14 at 9am, a major change with racing once a month on Sunday’s.

Any Grenfell person wishing to join the club is welcome to take part.

Races will include the Kids Course, Beginners and 1 lap course but the 2 lap course will be replaced with a 4 lap course comprising a 400m swim, 18km bike and 4km run.

You can find all the information you need about joining and taking part on the Cowra Triathlon Club facebook page.