Gentle win would be Prowd moment
ASHLEIGH Gentle says honouring late triathlon great Garth Prowd will be at the forefront of her mind when she attempts to win a record fourth straight Noosa Triathlon crown on Sunday.
It is the first time the Noosa Triathlon has been held since Prowd – who made it the biggest event of its type in the southern hemisphere – died following a cycling accident in July.
“Noosa has always had a bit of a special spot in my heart,” Gentle said.
“Each year I really want to go back to do that, especially this year with the passing of Garth Prowd I really want to make sure that we put on a good show to honour him as well because it was his race.”
Prowd turned the Noosa Triathlon and multi-sport festival into a showpiece while managing director of USM events for almost 30 years.
Gentle, 26, revealed how Prowd’s guidance during her earliest years at the respected global event laid the platform for her success today.
“(Prowd) was someone that helped me years ago when I first came to Noosa and he put me in contact with a few people who have helped me in my career,” the Gold Coast star said. “I’ll always be very grateful for that.
“I think the triathlon community in general need to be quite thankful to him for what he has done.
“People will take a minute among the chaos of Noosa to remember him.”
Gentle won her first Noosa Triathlon in 2012 before winning the past three.
Only Olympic and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Emma Snowsill has won the race more times with the retired champion winning three of her five races between 2003 and 2005 before winning back-to-back in 2007 and 2008.
Gentle equalled fellow Gold Coaster Snowsill’s treble record last year and now she wants to surpass her consecutive tally while equalling her overall total.
“It’s something I definitely want to achieve,” Gentle said.
“She is a massive inspiration and idol of mine.
“I was very honoured to put my name alongside hers last year and as a Queenslander I’m also wanting to do well there and try to beat any other interstate people.”