Tri-ActiV8 Celebrates Double Win at 2026 AusTriathlon Queensland State Awards
Director and Head Coach Nikki Giles named Coach of the Year; Moranbah Australia Day Triathlon takes home Club Event of the Year
MACKAY, QLD — Tri-ActiV8 is thrilled to announce a standout double victory at the 2026 Aus Triathlon Queensland State Awards, held at Portside, Brisbane, on Saturday, 27 June. The event delivered one of the proudest moments in Tri-ActiV8’s history, with both Coach of the Year and Club Event of the Year awards coming home to the Mackay and Isaac regions.
Coach of the Year: Nikki Giles
Tri-ActiV8 Director and Head Coach Nikki Giles was awarded the prestigious Coach of the Year honour, recognising her outstanding commitment to building a positive, inclusive training culture where athletes at every level are empowered to develop skills and strive for personal bests.
Nikki Giles - Tri-ActiV8 Director and Mackay’s only Female AusTriathlon Perfomance Accredited Coach.
The award, open to accredited AusTriathlon Coaches at affiliated clubs and squads who actively coach across all three disciplines — swim, cycle, and run — is determined by nominations from members, a testament to the genuine impact Nikki has had on the athletes she leads.
“This recognition means the world to me. Triathlon has given so much to our community in the Mackay and Isaac regions, and every single day I pour my heart into giving that back. Knowing that my athletes and our community felt moved to nominate me for this — that’s the real award. I am incredibly proud to represent this region and to be part of growing and strengthening the sport of triathlon here. This belongs to every athlete who has trusted me with their journey.” says Nikki.
Nikki’s passion for the sport is evident not only in her coaching across swim, cycle, and run disciplines, but in her tireless dedication to nurturing a sense of belonging and ambition within the Tri-ActiV8 community. Under her leadership, the tribe has grown into a welcoming hub for triathletes of all abilities across the Mackay and Isaac regions.
Club Event of the Year: Moranbah Australia Day Triathlon
Adding to the celebrations, Tri-ActiV8 was also recognised with the Club Event of the Year award for the Moranbah Australia Day Triathlon, an event the team at Tri-ActiV8 has proudly managed for the past three years in partnership with Isaac Regional Council.
The Moranbah Australia Day Triathlon has become a signature event on the regional triathlon calendar, bringing the community together each January and providing athletes across the Isaac region with a high-quality, professionally managed race experience. The partnership with Isaac Regional Council has been central to the event’s success and continued growth.
Tri-ActiV8 is immensely proud of what this event represents, not just as a competition, but as a celebration of community spirit and the power of sport to bring people together.
These awards reflect the dedication, hard work, and passion of everyone involved with Tri-ActiV8, from our coaches and volunteers to our athletes and the communities we are privileged to serve. We congratulate all award recipients and thank Aus Triathlon Queensland for recognising the incredible work happening across our great state.