Alstonville triathlete is Academy’s top athlete
North Coast Academy of Sport (NCAS) triathlete Clayton Fettell, from Alstonville, is the joint winner, with Laser sailor Gabrielle King from Maclean, of the NCAS 2006 Athlete of the Year.
Sponsored by Clubs NSW and hosted by South Grafton Ex-Services Club, the awards, which were attended by over 200 athletes, family members, coaches, managers, committee members and sponsors, acknowledged the multitude of efforts achieved the athletes who were members of Academy squads during 2005-06.
Fettell, who celebrates his 21st birthday next month, has been a member of the NCAS Triathlon program since 2001.
In early 2006, he was gained a scholarship with the NSW Institute of Sport. In mid-2006, Fettell spent four months overseas racing at ITU World Cup and Continental Cup events, gaining top 10 placings in both China, Korea and Luxembourg.
Between these races, Fettell spent time in Germany, training with the German professional triathlon team, TV Lemgo, and competing with them in elite level Bundesliga events.
On his return to Australia with a resume of strong performances, Fettell was asked to train with the Australian elite team and AIS squad.
The highlight achievement for Fettell over the 2005-06 season was his selection into the Australian Aquathlon (swim/run) team, which competed at the ITU World Aquathlon Championships held in Lausanne, Switzerland in August at which he came first in the U23 division, and 10th overall in the elite male division.
In recent months, Fettell has continued his good form with consistently strong performances at various events throughout Australia. He is now preparing for another overseas season which will see his first race in South Africa in mid May before heading onto France for the European summer to compete and train alongside other elite competitors including 2006 Commonwealth Games triathlon gold medallist, Brad Kahlefeldt.
Other Ballina Shire-based award winners were:
Cycling, Most Outstanding, Anthea Clarke - Ballina
Rugby, Most Outstanding, Alex Butchies Lennox Head
Sailing, Most Improved, Nick Peate - Ballina
Sailing, Encouragement Award, Sam Phillips - Lennox Head
Swimming, Most Improved, Keatyn Simpson - Lennox Head
Triathlon, Most Improved (dual recipients), Joseph Lampe - Lennox Head and Rachel Brown - Alstonville.
