Search
shop

Ashleigh Gentle cements status as Noosa Triathlon legend with emotional tenth title

Ashleigh Gentle gets her tenth win at the Noosa Triathlon.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

PTO World #2 Ashleigh Gentle ended her season in style with a fantastic tenth title at the 2023 Noosa Triathlon, as the 32 year old cemented her spot as a race legend at the event’s 40th anniversary.

Taking the tape for the ninth consecutive year, Gentle was untouchable on the run course and cut an emotional figure as she crossed the Garth Prowd bridge and was welcomed with open arms by the home crowd down the finish.

Sharing that it had been a big build up into the race, with media commitments and interviews adding another level of emotional fatigue during race week, Gentle managed expectations and her own strength perfectly to take the tape once again.

Advertisement

“Each year has been really enjoyable”

Gentle shared her satisfaction with getting the job done at the finish, adding that no matter what, she was proud of the fact that after a long and hard season, she always managed to show up on the day in Noosa.

Ashleigh Gentle winning her 10th Garmin Noosa Triathlon title in 2023
Ashleigh Gentle wins her 10th Noosa Tri Crown [Photo Credit – Korupt Vision]

“Each year has been really enjoyable, and I’ve had fun each year but 10 victories, what else can I ask for. It’s an incredible feat and I’m actually really proud that each year no matter what happens I kind of find a way to bring the best out of myself at Noosa. I think from here on in I’ll just enjoy it even more.

“Just before I ran over the Garth Prowd bridge it was a bit of a heck yes moment, that kind of summarises the day, it was pretty surreal and I think it is a weight off the shoulders for sure.”

Commending her opponents, Gentle said that she made the decision to go for it early on in the run to gap young talents like Richelle Hill, who had a fabulous race to finish on the podium.

“I didn’t underestimate the other girls, they’re really quick over 10k and Richelle Hill is a great new talent for Australia, I knew she was a good runner so I made sure I hit my stride really early on and try to break the elastic band pretty quickly and just try to extend that lead as much as I could over the 10k.”

Calm before the storm

Despite the tremendous amount of pressure on her shoulders, Gentle revealed that she felt in control during the race, having made a real effort to stay composed in the build up despite the hype surrounding her potential tenth crown.

“I actually felt really good today, it was a fast day. I felt in control and quite composed the whole time so it more just the relief. I did feel quite calm before and into the race, but there’s definitely been a huge build up to this race.

“There was a lot of media interviews and sponsor commitments before the race and obviously the 40th anniversary happened to coincide with going for my 10th win, it kind of added another layer of emotional, not stress, but fatigue during the week so to be able to actually get a good race under my belt and that victory, it was just relief.”

With five wins to her name this season, including a victory at the PTO Tour Asian Open and the IRONMAN 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship, it is hard to believe that Gentle only made the switch to middle distance after the Tokyo Olympics. Getting better every year, it will be exciting to see what 2024 holds for Gentle.

Tomos Land
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
Discover more
tri-fit vortex tri suit review
TRI-FIT VORTEX tri suit review – race day approved performance
Maja Stage Nielsen Kat Matthews Jocelyn McCauley IRONMAN Texas 2023 podium photo credit IRONMAN
PremiumRacing to keep up: Is social media making us train harder?
Cadomotus chronos aero triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
latest News
Tim Don Supertri Toronto 2025
Tim Don: Watch out for Jonny Brownlee bounce back and Fanni Szalai at Supertri Chicago
Morgan Pearson run T100 San Francisco 2025
Morgan Pearson born to run – ‘maybe I’m the T100 X Factor with a lot to prove’
Georgia Taylor Brown smiles Supertri Toronto 2025
‘It might take a miracle but I’ll give it my best shot’ – can GTB repeat Supertri Chicago win?
Sam Renouf CEO of the PTO
T100 Valencia replacement announced as PTO chief acknowledges “challenges” with 2025 calendar
ironman hamburg 2025 podium laura philipp kat matthews solveig lovseth
Matthews and Løvseth clash again in star-studded IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...