The Queen of Noosa Reigns Supreme: Gentle's Perfect Ten Becomes Eleven
Despite a heavy training load and fierce competition from Rochelle Hill, Ashleigh Gentle claimed an extraordinary 11th Noosa title, extending her record-breaking reign at Australia's biggest tri.
In what has become an almost annual tradition at the Noosa Triathlon, Ashleigh Gentle demonstrated why she remains one of the world's premier triathletes, securing an unprecedented 11th title in Australia's most prestigious Olympic distance race. However, this victory – her tenth consecutive – required more grit and determination than many of her previous wins.
Starting in perfect conditions with water temperature at 24.6 degrees, Gentle found herself in an unfamiliar position, emerging from the 1.5km swim with a significant deficit of 1:20 behind early leader Michaela Messer. The gap was notably larger than her usual swim splits at Noosa, setting the stage for what would become one of her most hard-fought victories.
Shawn Smith
"I don't have the pace to keep up with those short course speedsters," Gentle admitted post-race, "but I still had a reasonable swim, to be honest." Her measured response to the deficit showed the composure of an athlete who has mastered this course over more than a decade of dominance.
The bike leg proved to be the turning point. Working with the power and precision that has marked her successful transition to longer-distance racing this year, Gentle methodically worked her way through the field. By the halfway point of the 40km ride, she had not only bridged the gap but moved into the lead, a position she wouldn't relinquish.
However, unlike many of her previous victories where the run became a victory lap, Gentle faced persistent pressure from rising star Rochelle Hill. The daughter of two-time Noosa champion Rina Hill kept the margin honest throughout the 10km run, at one point closing to within 20 seconds of the leader.
GENTLE'S NOOSA DYNASTY
First victory in 2012 aged 18; now 11 titles in 12 years. Only one defeat in over a decade (2013 to Emma Moffatt). Ten consecutive wins since 2014, including 2024's fastest-ever winning time of 1:55:56. Started as relay team swimmer in 2008, now owns A$150,000+ in Noosa prize money. Average winning margin over three minutes; closest victory just 48 seconds (2015).
"I definitely felt the load in the legs and was getting tired towards the end of the run," Gentle revealed after crossing the finish line in 1:55:56. What makes this admission particularly noteworthy is that she hadn't tapered for this race, maintaining her heavy training load in preparation for the PTO Tour Final in Dubai in two weeks.
The final results:
- Ashleigh Gentle (AUS) - 1:55:56
- Rochelle Hill (AUS) - 1:56:58 (+1:02)
- Natalie Van Coevorden (AUS) - 1:58:49 (+2:53)
- Sophie Malowiecki (AUS) - 1:59:15
- Tara Sosinski (AUS) - 1:59:45
For Hill, the second-place finish marks a significant breakthrough. After taking several years away from the sport to pursue teaching, her return has been remarkable. "She looks so good," noted her mother Rina from the sidelines. "I don't know how you can look that good that far into a race."
The performance of 21-year-old Tara Sosinski also deserves mention. Leading the race for a significant portion of the bike leg, she showed why many consider her one of Australia's most promising talents. Her fifth-place finish, competing against such an experienced field, suggests a bright future ahead.
For Gentle, this victory adds another chapter to what has become one of the most dominant records in Australian sport. Having first won this race as a teenager, she has literally grown up at this event. "Myself and my whole family have made it a tradition," she reflected. "It's a part of what we do. All my family is coming to support me... To be able to do that with my family every year is really special."
What makes this victory even more impressive is its context within Gentle's evolving career. Currently sitting second in the PTO Tour rankings, she faces a showdown with American sensation Taylor Knibb in Dubai in two weeks. "Taylor Knibb is definitely raising the bar in women's triathlon," Gentle acknowledged, "and I guess the rest of us have to try and keep up."
For the first time in 13 years of racing Noosa, Gentle planned a proper warm-down after the race – a sign of how her approach to the sport continues to evolve. With her husband Josh's bike set up in their hotel room, recovery became the immediate priority as she looks ahead to Dubai.
As the age groupers continued to flow across the finish line throughout the day, many stopped to applaud the achievement they had witnessed. In an era of increasing specialisation in triathlon, Gentle's ability to maintain her dominance at Noosa while competing at the highest level internationally stands as a testament to her extraordinary versatility and class.
"I'm really proud to get that," Gentle said, the emotion evident in her voice. "I put together a really solid race today." In the understated words of a true champion, she captured what has become one of the most remarkable dynasties in Australian sport.
