In 2001, Ben Luscombe developed Starfish Tri Athletic Club, a swim/bike/run concept of training that focuses on participation, fun, and wellbeing.
“I used to be a triathlete myself, and I built the club around coaching that would create opportunities for everyone, regardless of their skill level or ability. All athletes deserve the same focus and support whether they’re ‘everyday’ athletes or want to go on to high-level competition,” Ben says. “We have group sessions, but each individual athlete is cared for.”
Ben is certainly the right man in the right job; he was recently presented the AusTriathlon QLD Junior Coach of the Year 2024 – 2025 award.
“It’s actually quite humbling to receive the award; I prefer to stay in the background and let the athletes be the best that they can be,” he says.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating and Ben’s approach bears fruit; six Starfish athletes have competed at the national championships,
32 athletes have made it to the state championships and this year, eight triathletes – aged from 16 to 45 – will be competing at the world championships in Wollongong in October.
Ben says that Starfish is registered with Qld. Athletics, which gives Starfish members the opportunity to compete all over Queensland. This provides the athletes more competition opportunities without having to join multiple clubs and pay multiple fees. He points out that triathlon is an expensive sport, especially when competing at state and national levels.
“There’s the cost of equipment, races, travel, uniforms, entry fees, and accommodation. We try to cover what costs we can to make the sport more accessible and affordable.
“Part of the club is funded by our swim club, a fully enclosed and heated learn-to-swim facility staffed by a team of qualified instructors. We provide a safe and encouraging environment for kids to learn how to overcome their fears, learn to swim, respect the water, and have lots of fun doing it. We’ve also opened a reduced-rate kindy program, complete with a pick-up bus.”
A large part of Ben’s success is probably due to his approach of creating a caring and supportive environment.
“A lot of our sessions have a mix of adults and kids,” he says, “We’ve found it creates a good sense of competition and camaraderie and the adult athletes become unofficial mentors for the kids. We’re like one big family.
“No matter what sporting group you have, I think it’s important in society today to have these groups that help form friendships, where people support each other – it makes a much happier community.”
For more information about the club, visit starfishfitness.com.
