Sophie Hynam

22 years old, she/her, Perth Metro
Instagram: @rphfitnessclub

Sophie grew up participating in the Weet-Bix Kids Triathlons and absolutely loved them. Like many others, she drifted away from triathlon during her teenage years when exercise and sport didn’t seem ‘cool’ anymore. Sport and a love of fitness came back into her life years later, when she started her job at Royal Perth Hospital and joined the RPH Fitness Club. Surrounded by passionate and driven people, she felt something reignite within her. Their energy was contagious and inspired her to give triathlon another shot. That was when she truly fell back in love with the sport, and this time it’s stayed with her.

Sophie is really excited to share the hard work she and her RPH work besties have put in, and seeing it all pay off. They’ve supported each other through the ups and downs of training, so celebrating both the journey and the finish line together will be something truly special.

As a BFOT Ambassador, Sophie is hoping to inspire more people to get involved in both the event and the Corporate Cup. Last year, around 40 of her colleagues from Royal Perth Hospital took part, which was an incredible turnout. She says that if even more people join this year, or if more companies get involved, it would be epic.

Goal for 2026: Last year, Sophie raced with a stress fracture injury but was determined to finish. Now healthy and stronger, her goal for 2026 is to give it her all and see what she’s truly capable of.

Pump up song: No Broke Boys – Disco Lines & Tinashe
Favourite Discipline: Run!
Triathlons Completed: 2 x Sprints & 1 x Busselton 100
Pre-Race Ritual: Night before flat lay

Dennis Devereaux

66 years old, he/him, South West WA
Instagram: @dennis_wheelie_menace

Dennis first became interested in triathlon in 1982 after watching Scott Tinley win the Ironman World Championship in Kona on Channel Nine’s Wide World of Sport. He entered his first triathlon in 1983 as a teen, organised by Wanneroo High School. In 1986, Dennis co-founded the Bunbury Triathlon Club to give local athletes a chance to experience the sport through smaller novice events and training sessions. Since then, he has consistently competed in the middle of the pack, including at Triathlon WA long course championships in Collie, Margaret River, and Busselton.

In mid-2019, Dennis suffered a severe fall from height that left him with shattered tibia and ankles. After spending weeks in hospital and months in a wheelchair, he was determined not to end his triathlon journey yet.

With 15 bolts, three steel plates in each leg, and a fused ankle, Dennis completed Ironman 70.3 in Busselton in December 2019 using a borrowed handcycle and a racing push-rim wheelchair.
Since that milestone, Dennis has competed in numerous events, including XTR Multisports THE400, ULTRAMAN Australia (both three-day triathlons), and the Ironman World Championship in Kona.

As a BFOT Ambassador, Dennis hopes to spark conversations about how people can begin or maintain an active lifestyle by finding ways to overcome any perceived barriers.

2026 Goal: To inspire people of all ages and abilities to participate in triathlon. He hopes that seeing a 66-year-old in a wheelchair competing will encourage others to believe they can do it too.

Pump up song: Push It – Salt N Pepa
Favourite Discipline: Run. Even though it can be difficult in the wheelchair, it’s fun to fly past the faster runners during the smooth and downhill parts of the course!
Triathlons Completed: Hundreds over 43 years
Pre-Race Ritual: I always have oat muesli for breakfast and keep my fingers crossed to prevent tyre punctures.
Fun Fact: I have completed 15+ runs and wheelchair races in costume over the years, but I haven’t raced a triathlon in costume yet!

Stacey Cavill

30 years old, she/her, Perth Metro
Instagram: @staceycavill

Stacey began her triathlon journey in January 2023. At the time, Stacey was playing high-level football, but her health was beginning to decline. She was looking for a new challenge that would push her both mentally and physically. Triathlon was just that, offering variety of training and an incredible community.

The previous year, she had attended the Busselton Festival of Triathlon as a spectator and was inspired after watching her partner take on the Enticer event. That experience sparked her decision to sign up for the Sprint race the following year and start her own path in the sport.

Stacey’s first Busso race was a memorable one. The weather was perfect, and she could see the bottom of the ocean so clearly during the swim. She flew through the bike leg and loved every second of going fast. She admits she has never been much of a runner, but she gave it everything she had trying to beat her sister in the final stretch (spoiler: she didn’t, and her sister reminds her daily). She also remembers watching the Busselton 100 race that year and being in absolute awe. Deep down, she knew she wanted to complete one herself. The rest is history, and Stacey is preparing to complete her third Busselton 100 in 2026.

As a BFOT Ambassador Stacey wants to debunk the idea that triathlon is only for super-fit or elite athletes. She wants to show the world that this sport is truly for everyone regardless of size, fitness level, age, gender, or cultural and religious background. She also wants to show the real side of what it takes to train for an event like the Busso 100: the raw emotions, the training grind, and the balance of working full-time while maintaining a social life.

2026 Goal: To hopefully beat her own time last year, but if not, then to finish strong and be proud of herself. She also aims to improve her post-race recovery.

Pump up song: Pump It Up – Endor
Favourite Discipline: Bike, but I’m starting to love the swim and run too
Triathlons Completed: 12
Pre-Race Ritual: A good coffee before the race and some light stretches before the swim.
Fun Fact: I am a Health and Physical Education Teacher, and I love helping and assisting my students in their own journeys with sport and exercise.

Chris Suvaljko

24 years old, he/him, Perth Metro
Instagram: @suvsfitness

Chris’s journey into triathlon is a little different. December 2025 will mark his very first triathlon, and it just happens to be Ironman 70.3 Busselton. True to his love of a challenge, he’s diving straight into a full Ironman in New Zealand a few months later, followed closely by the Busselton 100. It’s going to be a massive year!

Chris grew up playing basketball and has always loved sports, but he was very much a “cardio hater.” Five years ago, he started going to the gym, and three years ago, he launched a PT business. He fell in love with lifting heavy weights, but after a while, training started to feel repetitive. Then he came across the idea of Misogi, which is all about taking on a challenge that scares you and pushes you outside your comfort zone. Around that time, his partner turned to him and said, “We’re going to do an Ironman.” Chris wasn’t sure what “we” she meant and laughed at first, but he’s spent the entire year training for it and has fallen in love with the process. It’s been hard, rewarding, and the most exciting shift he’s ever made in his fitness journey.

What truly draws Chris to triathlon and endurance sport in is the transformation that happens through the process of training. The early mornings, late nights, and the discipline required have pushed Chris to grow in ways he never expected. He’s always considered himself focused when it comes to fitness, but this journey has unlocked a whole new level. Inspired by the words of Nick Bare, Chris believes it’s about the transformation and the journey, not just race day. Game day will be special, but for him, it’s all about who he’s becoming in the lead-up.

As a BFOT ambassador, Chris is excited to be part of a community of like-minded individuals who genuinely support one another. After spending much of his training year solo, he’s looking forward to stepping into an environment where everyone shows up for themselves and celebrates that effort together. Watching the Busselton 100 this year left a lasting impression on him. Seeing athletes cross the finish line surrounded by loved ones, proud of everything they poured into their journey, gave him chills. Now, Chris is thrilled to not only be part of that inspiring atmosphere but also to help encourage and support others who have trained for weeks, months, or even years. For him, being an ambassador means lifting others up and sharing in the powerful energy that makes this event so special.

2026 Goal: It’s his first Busselton 100, so it will be a guaranteed PB, but Chris’ real goal is to finish the race strong and with a smile.

Pump up song: Runaway Baby – love me a bit of Bruno Mars
Favourite Discipline: Finish line 😂 But if I had to pick one, surprisingly, running.
Triathlons Completed: Zero so far, but by Busso 100 weekend it will be 3!
Pre-Race Ritual: Pre-race handshake with the missus 🤝
Fun Fact: I signed up for a Half Ironman (this December) before realising I couldn’t swim that well. Working on it!

Melanie Wade

35 years old, she/her, Perth Metro
Instagram: @mels44

Melanie (Mel) got into triathlon just after turning 30. She wanted to set herself a goal to be fitter in her 30s than she’d been in her 20s. She’d heard about the Busselton 70.3 event held in May, so she signed up and joined a triathlon club to help with the training.

She really enjoyed the whole experience, the race, and the training in the lead-up. The community, the personal challenge, the discipline, and even getting to see different parts of Perth while working on her fitness all made it something she wanted to keep doing. After that first race, she was hooked.

Mel loves the people and the community of sport. She enjoys being around passionate, like-minded people, and finds triathlon offers a great balance of competition and friendship.

As a BFOT Ambassador, Mel is excited to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes of the event, and encourage more people to give triathlon a go.

2026 Goal: To race in the Female Open category for the very first time.

Pump up song: Mr Brightside – The Killers
Favourite Discipline: Bike and run equally
Triathlons Completed: 25
Pre-Race Ritual: I always use a bright yellow towel in my transition setup to help me find my bike during the race

Madi Newby

28 years old, she/her, Perth Metro
Instagram: @movefocus & @madinewby

Not long ago, Madi experienced significant life changes that sparked a desire to prove her own strength and capability. Though she had never been a runner or particularly drawn to cardio, she’s always lived by the mantra: “never succumb to my own perceived limitations.” In 2021, she took a bold step and signed up for her first-ever triathlon: the Busselton Ironman 70.3. That decision marked a turning point in her life, and she hasn’t looked back since. Today, she is proud to say that triathlon has become a defining part of her identity.

Madi thrives on the variety and challenge that triathlons offer, finding constant motivation in the sport’s multiple disciplines.

As a BFOT Ambassador, she’s excited to connect with other passionate (and slightly crazy) individuals who share her love for triathlon. Having previously participated in the event both as a volunteer and an athlete, she knows firsthand the incredible atmosphere it creates. For Madi, this opportunity is not just about racing, but also about sharing the joy of triathlon and inspiring others to discover a sport that has transformed her life.

2026 Goal: To redeem herself and complete the full Busselton 100, after an injury cut her race short in the Aquabike in 2025. To finish the race strong will be a win.

Pump up song: Brain Stew – Green Day
Favourite Discipline: Is transition an option? That’s where the snacks are. Honestly, it depends on the day.
Triathlons Completed: 3
Pre-Race Ritual: Pancakes always

Tanakorn Cheeptumrong

44 years old, he/him, International: Thailand
Instagram: @tctriathlon

Tanakorn raced his first triathlon in 1997 at just 17 years old, competing in the Mitsubishi Standard Distance Triathlon in Hua Hin, Thailand. At the time, endurance sports were far from mainstream in Thailand, and he felt very privileged to be among the first wave of triathletes to take on a standard distance event. From the beginning, triathlon taught him valuable life lessons like humility, goal-setting, and the discipline needed to achieve what matters. These qualities stayed with him and shaped his path beyond sport.

In his early years, Tanakorn was a highly competitive athlete, always chasing personal bests. But after completing his studies in the UK, his perspective shifted. He came to realise that true happiness came not from results, but from the simple joy of swimming, cycling, and running. He loves the feeling of water flowing past his body, the wind on his face during a ride, and the rhythm of his feet hitting the ground on a run. It no longer matters how fast or slow he goes.

Triathlon also gave Tanakorn a new career as a coach, which became a lifeline during the pandemic when he lost his previous job and had to start over. It’s hard for him to put into words why he loves the sport so deeply, but whether he’s watching or racing, triathlon brings him joy.

Tanakorn may have stepped back from long-distance triathlon in recent years, but his connection to the sport remains strong.

As a BFOT Ambassador, he’s looking forward to returning to Busselton in 2026 (his first visit since the 2019 IRONMAN 70.3) to reconnect with the Western Australian triathlon community and get back on the start line.

2026 Goal: To be on the start line and get to the finish line.

Pump up song: Indian Summer – Jai Wolf
Favourite Discipline: I love them all!
Triathlons Completed: I have completed one full IRONMAN, 16 70.3 events, and more than 20 standard distance triathlons.
Pre-Race Ritual: Before every race, I always have some quiet time and reflect on the journey leading up to the race. This process keeps me calm and help me focus better.
Fun Fact: Tanakorn is an experienced triathlon coach with a MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology. He’s a certified coach with USA Triathlon and USA Track and Field, and a 2023 Global Triathlon Awards finalist for Outstanding Contributor. He’s currently training to become a registered Sport and Exercise Psychologist with HCPC in the UK.

Ella Cream

25 years old, she/her, Perth Metro
Instagram: @ella_creame

Ella got into triathlon in 2024, following in the footsteps of her dad and sister who had already caught the triathlon bug. Looking for her next challenge, she decided to give it a go and was instantly hooked. Her first race was the Every Woman Triathlon at Champion Lakes, and she had an absolute blast. The atmosphere was fun, friendly, and super welcoming.

What Ella loves most about triathlon is the community. No matter how fast you’re moving, there’s always encouragement from others. You don’t need to be an elite athlete to get started; just jump in and have a go at swim, bike, and run.

As a BFOT Ambassador, Ella is looking forward to recruiting a few more female beginner triathletes and helping boost the women’s field at the event.

2026 Goal: I’d love a PB at this race but if I can make it through racing hard and happy it’ll be sweet!

Pump up song: Runnin Down a Dream – Tom Petty
Favourite Discipline: You’d have to ask me each week! It changes all the time, but swimming at the moment is the most fun! I’m sure it’ll be run next week.
Triathlons Completed: 4 so far with plenty to come
Pre-Race Ritual: Crumpets with honey for breakfast, and I write a little boost note on my arm or a sticker on my bike to look at when it gets tough.
Fun Fact: I’ve managed to make a friend on every triathlon course I’ve raced, and 90% of the time have a smile on my face in race pictures!

Jonty Cavazzi

32 years old, he/him, Goldfields-Esperance WA
Instagram: @jonty_cavazzi

Jonty got into triathlon about three years ago after falling in love with running, though he’d already done a few triathlon races when he was younger. What keeps him coming back is the triathlon community and the constant drive to live a healthier, better lifestyle.

As a BFOT Ambassador, Jonty is excited to encourage others to jump in and experience the event and the sport.

2026 Goal: To beat his own time from last year, and inspire as many people as possible to give triathlon a go.

Pump up song: Sound of Silence – Disturbed
Favourite Discipline: Run
Triathlons Completed: 8-10

Shannan Brown

43 years old, he/him, Perth Metro
Instagram: @shannans_journey

Shannan’s triathlon journey began in early 2018 following weight loss surgery. He started by exercising in the local aquatic centre pool, gradually building up to swimming laps. As his fitness improved, he began cycling 10km each way to work, and eventually he started jogging.

Since he was already training across the three disciplines, Shannan decided to attempt a sprint-distance triathlon, which was something his past-self would never have thought possible. He completed a few more events that season and then boldly signed up for the Ironman 70.3 in Busselton at the end of the year. For Shannan, this marked the beginning of a deep love for triathlon. It proved to him that he was capable of far more than he had ever imagined.

Then came the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and with group training banned, Shannan pivoted to CrossFit instead. So when the reminder about his upcoming IM race popped into his inbox months later, he was utterly unprepared and had not trained. He showed up on the start line anyway, and bonked hard. He placed 373rd in the swim, and then without proper nutrition for the bike leg barely scraped across the dismount line to T2 in 931st place (out of 969). Determined not to quit despite feeling terrified he wouldn’t make it to the finish line, he walked the remainder of the run and crossed the finish line just under the course cut off.

That race pushed Shannan to his limits, leaving him physically shattered and emotionally shaken. It took time to heal, and for a while, he stepped away from the sport. But now, years later, he’s returned to triathlon with renewed strength and purpose. One tough race will not define his journey. He’s taking on the Busselton 100 to rewrite the story. This time, he’s crossing that finish line with a smile.

As a BFOT Ambassador, Shannan wants to share his story and inspire others. He is living proof that transformation and changing your life is possible, that we are all capable of more than we believe, and that sometimes the things that scare us most can lead to the most exciting adventures and rewarding journeys.

2026 Goal: To enjoy the race experience and cross the finish line smiling.

Pump up song: Brain Stew – Green Day
Favourite Discipline: The swim!
Triathlons Completed: 5
Pre-Race Ritual: Panic checking everything

Ivan Marcelo

35 years old, he/him, Perth Metro
Instagram: @ives_lester_cruz

Bio coming soon!