Mark Turner
Occupation: Head Triathlon Coach, Brisbane Tri Squad
Qualification: Level 2 Triathlon, Level 2 Running, Cert IV in Fitness
Specialty: Triathlon
Website: www.brisbanetrisquad.com.au
As an athlete Mark comes from a background of over 20 years competing in endurance sports. He did his first triathlon in the late 1980’s before turning his attention to running where he went on to represent Queensland in cross country running. After many years running he later became a boundary umpire in the national AFL competition, umpiring matches around Australia at the elite level for 7 years. Throughout this time Mark continued to compete in triathlons and after retiring from umpiring in 2004, he has further developed his triathlon experience competing in events from sprint through to Ironman.
During his time as an athlete Mark has overcome many challenges and now draws on this experience to assist the athletes he coaches. In 2008 he completed 3 Ironman Triathlons in 3 days to raise money for charity in the event known as the Tour de Tri. In 2009 he was also one of the athletes selected to represent Australia at the World Triathlon Championships on the Gold Coast.
As a coach Mark first started coaching athletes in his role as a Physical Education Instructor at the Queensland Police Academy from 1996-2001. During that time he has had the following coaching experiences:
1.Built and developed his own swim school in 2002 -2006 where he had over 600 students per week from babies through to adults.
2.Fitness and conditioning coach for AFL Queensland Umpires from 2004-2006.
3.Head cross country and track and field coach for Brisbane Girls Grammar for 2007-2009.
4.Head coach of Brisbane Triathlon Squad 2007- present. During that time has coached athletes to World Championship selection including Kona, Long Course and standard distance.
5.Coaching provider for the Bridge to Brisbane Fun Run 2009/2010.
