Perth Triathlete's Epic 25-Year Journey to Busselton Milestone
Veteran Perth triathlete Warren Milward is on the cusp of an extraordinary achievement, building towards a 25th anniversary marked by endurance, pain, and glory. The Busselton 100, a premier triathlon event, celebrates its 25th edition in early May, and Milward has competed in every single one since its inception.
A Legacy of Consistency and Dedication
Even more impressive is Milward's other remarkable streak: he has not missed the past 34 State long course triathlon championships. This run began in 1991 when the event was held at Rottnest Island, later moving to Margaret River, and now settled in Busselton. It has become a friendly competition among three athletes to see who will be the last man standing in this enduring challenge.
Adding another layer of prestige, this year's Busselton race doubles as the Australian long course championships. The last time the State title incorporated the national crown was in 1997, when the race was on Rottnest Island, and Milward emerged victorious. Now 54 years old, he is not chasing overall victory but is deeply committed to maintaining his consecutive participation in the grueling 2km swim, 80km cycle, and 18km run scheduled for Sunday, May 3.
From Humble Beginnings to Triathlon Passion
Milward reflected on his journey, stating, "I might not be able to race regularly anymore. But I still consider myself a triathlete, and turning up each year is like coming home." He expressed his love for reconnecting with people and participating in an event that holds profound personal and sporting significance. "What the event is now compared to 1991 on Rottnest, with the transition fitting in the beer garden of the pub, is just amazing," he added, highlighting the sport's evolution.
Triathlons were a natural progression for Milward, who grew up in Mandurah. He started swimming in primary school, discovered little athletics, and transitioned to track and cross country in high school before simply adding a bike to his regimen. After finishing high school in 1989, inspired by a friend's success in triathlon, he entered his first race at Shelley. "I was terrible," he admitted, recalling riding his school bike with a rack still attached. "I came out of the water near the front and then just went backwards for 12km on the bike. But I was hooked."
Competitive Spirit and Enduring Rivalries
Milward quickly got serious, training hard and competing alongside his brother Aaron in the Nova series, where he finished second in the novice section in 1990. He went on to win the Rottnest race twice before his national title in 1997, recalling a race where pre-race favorite Jason Shortis was unexpectedly absent, allowing Milward to seize victory.
The current three-man battle for longevity honors includes Garry Itzstein, who has competed in 35 State long course titles in succession, Milward, and Tim Howley, both on 34. "We all turn up every year, seeing if anyone doesn't," Milward said. "My aim these days is to finish first and foremost. Tim's still competitive, but Gary and I, we turn up, we get through, we try not to damage ourselves too much. And then if we get a good time, well, we're happy."
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing the Dream
Milward has been relatively lucky with injuries, though he did suffer a severe crash in a world championship race in Nice, France, shortly after his 1997 national win, breaking five ribs, a collarbone, and a bone in his hand. "Apart from that, I was very lucky with injuries while I was racing seriously. The problem is I stopped racing seriously and then I got injuries," he noted.
He has also completed the Hawaiian Ironman alongside his brother, describing it as a brutal experience. "I did it just over 10 hours. But I'm glad I did it, because when I got into the sport, that was the dream," he shared, reminiscing about watching the event on TV as a young athlete.
The Busselton Festival of Triathlon has seen immense popularity, with over 2600 triathletes registered across all events, including the Busselton 100, Duathlon 100, a 12km run, and Aquabike. Registrations are at a decade high, with fewer than 100 spots remaining in the Busselton 100, underscoring the event's growing appeal and Milward's enduring role in its history.
