Martin Spierings competed in his first triathlon at 13 years of age in his hometown of Melbourne, Australia. At a time when the sport was still in its infancy, he used what limited resources were available to coach himself to be one of the top juniors in the state of Victoria. He added scientific expertise to his practical experience earning a Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in Sports Physiology and Psychology at the University of Melbourne in 1999.

Following graduation he traveled to Europe in 2000 to represent Australia on the national team at two Triathlon World Championship events and accepted an offer to coach the H.A.C. Triathlon Club in Le Havre, France. During his tenure he coached Jessica Luciani to 2nd "cadette" (15-16 age group) in the French National Championships, 2001. He also had five other of his junior athletes qualify for the national championships in 2002. He also led H.A.C. Triathlon to the inter-regional championships for the first time in the club's history.

Now living in Santa Cruz, California, Martin continues to be actively involved in the sport of triathlon as coach and competitor. He volunteers on the board of the Santa Cruz Triathlon Association and as coach of the club's junior athletes. He hosts triathlon clinics during the year and gives swimming stroke correction classes to local triathletes.

Career Highlights

•17 years of triathlon race experience with 100+ triathlons on over three continents.

•7th place in the 2000 Long Distance World Championships in Nice, France (20-24 age group) on the Australian National Team.

•President of the Melbourne University Triathlon Club (1998) and member of the Australia University Triathlon Team (2000).

•Triathlon coach of H.A.C. Triathlon, Le Havre, France (2000-2002)

•Current Age Group Course Record Holder of the Treasure Island Triathlon, San Francisco, California, U.S.A. set in 2004.

•Overall winner of the 2006 Sandman Triathlon, Santa Cruz, U.S.A.

•6th Overall 2007 Sentinel Triathlon, Santa Cruz, U.S.A.

•USAT All-American 2006 and 2007.

•Current Vice-president of the Santa Cruz Triathlon Association