Bailie Credits Family for Supporting #Rio2016 Dream
Bunbury raised triathlete Ryan Bailie has today been confirmed as a member of Australia’s six-strong triathlon squad to compete at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
The 25 year-old had previously earned automatic nomination for Rio after finishing fourth at the World Triathlon Series event on the Gold Coast in early April.
Bailie, who was born in Johannesburg, paid tribute to his family with his mum Kerrie and twin sister Alex attending today’s ceremony, acknowledging the huge role they have played in his Olympic selection.
“Your family makes so many investments along the way so we can pursue our dreams in sport so to attend the team announcement on our behalf is very special for us and for them,” said Bailie, who, alongside Olympic teammate Aaron Royle is preparing for Rio under coach Jamie Turner in Spain’s Vitoria-Gasteiz country.
“They have been our biggest supporters and our sponsors over our careers and we could not have done this without them and really happy they could attend today,” said the 25-year-old.
Bailie was named Best Male Athlete and Athlete of the Year at the 2016 Triathlon Australia and largely attributes his success to coach, Jamie Turner.
“I have been with Jamie Turner now for six years and he has made us the athletes we are today and shaped us into the people we are as well, teaching us so many life lessons outside triathlon, to help set us up after our careers,” said Bailie.
“I couldn’t even do a tumble turn in the pool until I started training with JT; I would not be an Olympian in 2016 without him – so much of it has to do with him as to where I am now.”
Bailie, who will make his Olympic debut in Rio, becomes the ninth officially selected Western Australian for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, joining athletes from; canoe, swimming, athletics and sailing.
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