Brad Kahlefeldt - Our triathlon hero
Junior Advertiser 28 February 07
Today we are celebrating one of the Wagga sport stars who feature in the Wagga Wagga Sporting Hall of Fame at the Museum of the Riverina Botanic Gardens site.
Many of you may remember the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, in March 2006, when Brad Kahlefeldt won gold in the men's triathlon.
Not only is it almost a year since that great race, but Brad recently won the award for NSW Athlete of the Year. He was up against athletes like champion basketballer Lauren Jackson and world surfing champion Layne Beachley - so it was a great win!
Last week (21 February) Brad attended the Australian Sports Awards, where he was in the running for Australian Athlete of the Year. He was again up against some fantastic athletes, and although he didn't win the top honour - it was a very special year for Brad.
- Brad was born in Temora in 1979 (he is now 27), and moved to Wagga in 1982. He is one of 6 children. Parents are both Marathon runners.
- He first represented Australia in 1996 at the Junior Duathlon World Championships in Italy. He considers his best achievements as 2002 Under 23 World Champion; 2004 Oceania Triathlon Champion; 2006 Australian Champion; 2006 Commonwealth Games Champion
- Brad has just completed his most successful year so far in 2006. He won the Australian Championships, Commonwealth Games gold medal, four world cup events and finished the year as the World Number 1.
- He lives between the Gold Coast where he trains with his coach Bill Daveron, and Wagga.
- Brad's major sporting goal is to become World champion and Olympic champion, and would like to be remembered when he retires as one of the best triathletes to represent Australia throughout the World
- His idols are motorcycle racing champion Valentino Rossi, tennis star Roger Federer and cyclist Lance Armstrong. Brad's most memorable sporting moment is Lance Armstrong winning the tour de france for the 7th time.
(source: www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/museum and www.ais.org.au)
For more information about Brad Kahlefeldt's achievements and to see his display at the Sporting Hall of Fame, visit the Botanic Gardens site or go to our Sporting Hall of Fame page.
Did you know?
Brad's nickname is Sticksy. His favorite foods are banana pancakes and ice cream and he enjoys going to movies, relaxing and travel. So he's not so different from us after all!
If you have a question for Museum Man, email him at museumman@wagga.nsw.gov.au
Visit Kidzone at the Museum of the Riverina Botanic Gardens site, Lord Baden Powell Drive, Wagga Phone: 6925 2934
