Miles Stewart honoured in Queen’s Birthday Honours

Originally a speedskater from Wollongong, NSW he rose to the highest echelon in triathlon during his career. Miles had an extremely successful career as an elite athlete in the sport of triathlon, achieving three World Championship medals, numerous ITU World Cup wins and a Commonwealth Games silver medal in Manchester in 2002. He had the honour of being the first Australian home in the men’s event at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, finishing sixth overall.

Stewart made his first World Championship team in 1989, aged 18, and finished in an incredible fourth place. At age 20, Stewart experienced one of the defining moments of his career, winning the illustrious World Championship in his hometown, the Gold Coast. He remains the youngest triathlete ever to be World Champion.

Following this famous victory, Stewart went on to win the World Indoor Championship, a World Cup Championship, 10 ITU World Cup wins, the 1996 and 2000 Australian Championships and, in the process, added two World Records to his name. Stewart is in the Guinness Book of World Records for the fastest triathlon time in the world.

Just like it began, Stewart’s professional career finished with a bang. In 2004, Stewart’s last year on the international circuit, he was selected in the Australian team for the 16th consecutive year, arguably a record unlikely ever to be broken. In 2005, Stewart retired from the professional triathlon circuit ending a triumphant and wildly successful career spanning nearly two decades.

Speaking on his recognition, Miles said that it’s very humbling to be acknowledged on such a high level for his work.

“It means so much to be recognised as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours list, alongside so many other outstanding Australians,” Miles said.

“You don’t think about the recognition when you enter sports administration, and I’m really happy that I’ve been able to come back to the sport I love and most importantly, give back to the sport that gave me so much.”

“What’s most important to me is that I look after the sport. Sport will last longer than myself or any other sports administrator, and I just want to make sure that I leave the sport in a great place and provide the same opportunity for others to participate in a sport that I grew up loving since I was 15 years old.”

Triathlon Australia President Michelle Cooper said that Miles’ recognition is well-deserved, with his passion and dedication to triathlon undeniable in his work as both past board member and now CEO.

“There is no one better placed to lead our sport than Miles Stewart and his recognition with an OAM confirms that,” Michelle said.

“With a first-class sporting pedigree including world titles, a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games and his first Australian home finishing sixth at the Sydney Olympics, he understands our sport from the ground up.”

“Miles left a lucrative commercial career in order to lead triathlon, a role he believes is his responsibility to drive the sport he is so passionate about and has continued to deliver the foundations of much needed change across our key stakeholder groups.”

“I am immensely proud of the work Miles has contributed to our sport, from my time as a fellow board member, through the recruitment process and now as he moves into a new phase as CEO, Miles brings the passion and commitment required in sport that he combines with extensive skills and experience to move us forward.”

Athletic Performance:
ITU Career: 1989 – 2004
ITU World Champion (1991)
2 x ITU World Championship bronze medals (1998, 1999)
8 x ITU World Cup wins
ITU World Cup Series winner (1996)
Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games – silver medal
Olympian