2025 Annual Awards | Your Winners

Outstanding Contribution – Robert Newton

Bob has been an inspiration and a driving force in the sport for more than 30 years, contributing tirelessly to both Glasgow Triathlon Club and Triathlon Scotland. His remarkable energy and commitment, even after a lifetime dedicated to triathlon, truly merit recognition. On the evening of the event, Bob announced his retirement from organising major triathlon competitions, confirming that the 2025 Orkney Island Games Triathlon would be his final event. This award is a fitting tribute to his exceptional service and his immense voluntary contribution to the sport in Scotland.

The 2025 Orkney Island Games triathlon success was due in no small part to his experience, organisational skill, attention to detail and approachable manner. By identifying, appointing and mentoring club volunteers, he inspired others to step into key roles and helped build a strong foundation for future events. He also arranged training for local kayakers so they could provide essential water safety support.

Over the past 12 months, and indeed throughout the 18 months leading up to the Games, Bob worked tirelessly to deliver a world-class triathlon event for Orkney. His leadership throughout the Island Games process has created a lasting legacy for the sport, equipping the club with the knowledge and skills needed to grow participation and deliver successful events for years to come.

Club of the Year – Orkney Triathlon Club

Despite being one of Scotland’s smaller clubs, Orkney Triathlon Club has comfortably punched above its weight this year, delivering achievements that would rival organisations many times its size. The highlight of their season was hosting the 2025 Orkney Island Games triathlon, a major undertaking that the club delivered to an exceptionally high standard.

The event proved to be a resounding success: exciting, well-organised and highly spectator-friendly. Athletes and supporters alike praised the professionalism and atmosphere, and the club’s volunteers were instrumental in ensuring the competition ran smoothly from start to finish. Their dedication and teamwork were central to creating an international level experience that showcased the very best of Orkney sport.

Beyond the Island Games, the club continues to demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity and participation. Orkney Triathlon Club offers a wide range of local events designed for athletes of all abilities, with a strong focus on welcoming newcomers to multisport. Their community centred approach, combined with their ability to deliver world-class events, makes them a standout contributor to Scotland’s triathlon landscape.

Coach of the Year – Alan Cardwell

Alan has played a transformative role in both the youth and adult sections of Glasgow Triathlon Club, bringing creativity, humour and unwavering enthusiasm to every session, come rain, sleet or sunshine. His ability to engage athletes of all ages, from juniors taking their first steps in the sport to adults chasing ambitious goals, has created an environment where people strive to achieve with smiles on their faces. Under his leadership, the junior section has flourished, growing to over 100 members and becoming a vibrant, inclusive community where young athletes feel supported, valued and inspired.

The impact of Alan’s coaching is evident in the achievements of those he works with. Athletes speak of dramatic improvements, from personal bests in running and cycling to podium finishes at Scottish, British and even World Championship level. His thoughtful, individually tailored training plans – combined with his empathy, experience and willingness to adapt sessions to each athlete’s needs – have helped competitors overcome injuries, rebuild confidence and reach performances they once thought impossible. Whether guiding a newcomer to their first duathlon or supporting an age-grouper through world-class events, Alan’s knowledge, calm reassurance and “trust the process” approach have proved invaluable.

Beyond results, Alan’s influence is felt in the culture he builds. He fosters resilience, friendship and confidence in young people, creates opportunities for athletes to travel and learn, and quietly ensures no one is left behind – fixing bikes, finding kit and solving problems so others can thrive. His leadership has helped produce national champions, British Super Series podiums and a growing pathway of young athletes stepping into coaching roles themselves. Alan’s passion, humour and wholehearted commitment have shaped a generation of triathletes, making him an exceptional and deserving candidate for Coach of the Year.

Club Spirit – Ashleigh McManus

Ashleigh is the driving force behind the spirit and energy of Perth Triathlon Club, playing a central role in making it an active, welcoming and highly engaged community. Her leadership extends far beyond coaching, shaping the club’s culture and helping ensure members feel supported, included and motivated year-round.

She has been instrumental in developing initiatives to encourage more women into triathlon, helping broaden participation and strengthen confidence among female athletes. Ashleigh also leads the organisation of the club’s fun and informal summer series, creating events that are enjoyable, accessible and designed to bring members together. Her efforts have significantly enhanced club engagement and have given athletes of all levels more opportunities to participate.

In addition, Ashleigh helps build connections with other clubs to foster friendly rivalry and shared experiences, further enriching the club environment. From coordinating activities to championing inclusivity, her dedication, enthusiasm and organisational talent are key to what makes Perth Triathlon Club such a vibrant and supportive place to belong. Her impact is felt across the entire membership, making her a standout winner of the Club Spirit award.

Event of the Year – Bishopbriggs Triathlon

Bishopbriggs Triathlon has established itself as one of Scotland’s most inclusive and beginner friendly events, deliberately designed to break down the barriers that often make triathlon feel daunting. Its pool-based swim offers a safe, confidence building introduction for newcomers, while the closed road cycle leg allows athletes, many tackling their first-ever bike event, to ride without worry. The flat, easy-to-navigate run course ensures participants of all abilities can take part, and the event has proudly welcomed numerous physically impaired athletes over the years.

The triathlon’s family friendly ethos is another hallmark of its success. With categories ranging from young TriStars to veteran competitors, Bishopbriggs creates a welcoming environment where athletes of all ages can share the experience together. On race day, the atmosphere is electric: cheering spectators and dedicated volunteers line the course, offering encouragement that lifts athletes from start to finish. This emphasis on support and participation over pure competition helps ensure that, for many, the greatest reward is the sense of achievement they walk away with.

Innovation has also played a key role in the event’s continued impact. Online briefing sessions introduced in recent years have been widely praised, giving athletes a chance to ask questions, understand the course and ease pre-race nerves. With its longstanding commitment to accessibility, encouragement and community, Bishopbriggs Triathlon stands out as one of Scotland’s leading events for beginners and juniors, a true gateway into the sport.

Young Person of the Year – Lucy Donaldson

Lucy Donaldson, aged 20, has become an invaluable member of the Glasgow Triathlon Club coaching team, bringing maturity, professionalism and genuine passion to her role over the past three years. As a Triathlon Scotland Level 2 qualified coach, she approaches every session with care and enthusiasm, consistently delivering well prepared, structured training that helps athletes of all ages grow in confidence and ability.

Her coaching impact is felt across the entire club. Lucy works with both juniors and adults, adapting her style to meet individual needs and ensuring every participant feels supported and encouraged. Her technical focus, particularly in swimming, has led to noticeable improvements in members’ skills and performance, while her calm communication and positive approach make her an excellent role model for both athletes and fellow coaches.

Alongside her coaching achievements, Lucy continues to compete successfully in triathlon events across Scotland, using her own experience to motivate others and demonstrate what dedication can achieve. Skilled, committed and deeply invested in helping people progress, Lucy embodies the very best qualities of a young coach and is a thoroughly deserving nominee for Young Person of the Year.

Inspirational Performance of the Year – Lyndsey Blair

Lyndsey’s completion of the Enduroman Arch-2-Arc, one of the toughest endurance challenges in the world, stands as an extraordinary feat of athleticism, resilience and determination. Covering an 87-mile run from London to Dover, a solo English Channel swim, and a 181-mile cycle to Paris, she finished the challenge in 95 hours and 11 minutes, becoming the first Scot ever to do so. Her achievement is remarkable not only for its physical scale, but for the mental strength required to endure such an extreme test.

What makes Lyndsey’s journey even more inspiring is the life she balanced alongside it. A mother of three, she trained around family and work commitments while continuing to support her community and fellow athletes. Already an accomplished Ironman finisher, Celtman competitor and Team GB Age Group member, she approached Arch-2-Arc with humility, honesty and humour – openly sharing the highs and lows of her preparation and encouraging others to believe in their own potential. Her willingness to be vulnerable about the challenges she faced made her success resonate even more deeply with those following her journey.

Lyndsey’s achievement has had impact far beyond sport. She used the challenge to raise funds for Ayrshire Cancer Support and Hospitality Action, turning personal ambition into meaningful community benefit. Her record setting performance, combined with her generosity, positivity and ability to inspire others, makes her a powerful role model. Lyndsey embodies what Inspirational Performance of the Year represents: breaking boundaries, uplifting others, and showing that extraordinary goals are within reach through perseverance, belief and heart.

Performance of the Year (Age Group) – Gayle MacLachlan

Gayle MacLachlan has quickly become one of the standout figures in Scottish multisport, proving what dedication, consistency and sheer passion can achieve in a short space of time. Relatively new to triathlon, she has already established herself as a dominant competitor across both sprint and standard distances, regularly topping her age group.

Her success extends beyond the national stage. Gayle has proudly represented Team GB at European and World Championships in both duathlon and aquathlon, showcasing her versatility and competitive instinct against some of the strongest Age Group athletes in the world. With podium finishes at major international events, including silver at the World Aquathlon Championships in Pontevedra and bronze at the European Sprint Distance Duathlon Championships in Rumia, she has firmly established herself as an athlete of world-class calibre.

What makes Gayle’s story especially inspiring is the pace of her progression. Entering the sport as a newcomer, she has embraced every challenge with enthusiasm, humility and an unwavering work ethic. Her achievements across multiple disciplines, from national championship titles in duathlon, aquathlon, sprint and standard triathlon, to British and global podiums, reflect not only talent but exceptional commitment. Gayle’s rapid rise and consistent excellence make her a truly deserving winner of the Performance of the Year (Age Group) award.

Performance of the Year (Elite) – Alex Robin

At just 19, Alex Robin has emerged as one of Britain’s most exciting triathlon prospects, showing maturity and resilience beyond his years. Despite a series of injuries and major life transitions, including moving to Stirling and beginning studies at the University of Stirling, he has rebuilt his training with discipline and consistency. Working closely with Triathlon Scotland Lead Coach Marc Austin at the National Triathlon Centre, Alex has embraced the challenges of balancing elite sport with academics, steadily laying the groundwork for a breakthrough season.

His performances this year have confirmed his rise. Alex earned selection for two Great Britain Championship teams, excelling at both the European trial, where he placed 2nd in the junior field and 6th among seniors, and the European Championships, where he played a key role in securing a bronze medal in the relay. He went on to become British Junior Champion, a result that qualified him for the World Junior Championships, where he delivered an outstanding silver-medal performance. His tactical intelligence was on full display in the British selection race, where he controlled the race dynamics from start to finish.

Beyond results, Alex distinguishes himself through his character. He continues to support younger athletes at the National Triathlon Centre, offering guidance and encouragement while pursuing his own goals. With physical capabilities such as a 14:45 5k – competitive even at senior international level – combined with his leadership, discipline, and dedication, Alex Robin stands out not only as a rising star in triathlon but also as a role model for the next generation.

Technical Official of the Year – Lynne Lauder

Lynne Lauder has established herself as one of the most knowledgeable and committed Technical Officials in the sport, qualified to Continental Technical Official level and capable of officiating at international events or serving as Technical Delegate at European competitions. Her expertise and professionalism ensure that every event she supports is delivered safely, fairly and to the highest possible standard. Her passion is to encourage and develop new and existing Technical Officials to be the best they can be, and to ensure that competitors and organisers recognise Technical Officials as a genuine asset to every event.

Lynne is known for her meticulous attention to detail, clear communication and calm approach to problem solving – qualities that make her invaluable on race day. She consistently goes above and beyond to assist athletes, volunteers and fellow officials, helping create an environment where everyone feels supported and respected. Her dedication to maintaining fairness and safety has earned her the admiration of clubs and competitors across the country.

Lynne also represents Triathlon Scotland on the British Triathlon Technical Committee, a group that advises the British Triathlon Board on the technical conduct of the sport, the education and development of officials, and the appointment of Technical Officials to major domestic events. Her unwavering commitment to the sport and her significant contribution to delivering high quality events make her a thoroughly deserving winner of Technical Official of the Year.