Bennett leaves Australia
Bennett, 38, has held dual citizenship with Australia and the United States for a number of years. He has a long family history in the United States, married US triathlete Laura Bennett (nee Reback) in 2004, and has based the majority of his own racing career out of the US since the 2000 Olympic Games.
The 38-year-old lodged the request primarily so that he could be a part of Laura’s 2012 Olympic campaign, and to finish his own career for his adopted country.
“Laura and I have built our careers together for the past 11 years, leaning on each other constantly for support in coaching and mentoring,” Bennett said. “I would like to be with her for her final Olympic journey and I cannot do this as well as I would like unless I can be fully part of her team.
“In regard to my own career, the majority of my racing over the last several years has been in the United States, all my sponsorship deals are US-based, and the medical team I rely on is based in Florida and Dallas.
“I’d like to think I’ve given fair service to Australia over the past 17 years. At 38, I’m no spring chicken and I’d simply like to dedicate the final chapter of my career to my dual country. I’d like to thank the Triathlon Australia Board for agreeing to my request, believe the investment Australian sport made in me over the years was mutually beneficial, and that both parties should feel satisfied with this conclusion.”
Triathlon Australia President Peter Hedge said Bennett’s service and circumstances had deserved consideration.
“Obviously we do not take lightly the decision to release an elite athlete from racing for Australia,” he said. “However, given Greg’s prolonged service to the sport, his personal circumstances and the stage he is at in his career, the Board felt his request was reasonable. We wish him well in his future endeavours.”
Triathlon Australia’s head coach Shaun Stephens said both parties had been in open discussions for some time about Bennett’s position.
“We have had a number of honest and constructive conversations with Greg over the past few months and it has subsequently been decided that he be granted a release from racing for Australia to pursue his interest in racing alongside Laura during the final phase of his career. He has enjoyed a stellar career and we now challenge the next generation of Australian triathletes to match his professionalism and longevity.”
Bennett has competed in more than 80 World Cup events and achieved 26 podium finishes for six wins and two world series titles. He finished fourth at the 2004 Athens Olympics which, to date, is the best result by an Australian male at an Olympic Games.
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Comments (7)
by TCB, 27 May 2010It shouldn't be loyalty to TA you are talking about. It should be loyalty to his country. Yes it is triathlon, and TA are Australia's governing body, but that shouldn't make a difference. No matter what sport I was playing, or how crappy the management of that sport was, I could never wear any other colours but Australian ones...especially American colours!
by Paul, 26 May 2010No Macca and Crowie didn't switch countries but they no longer have much more to do with Olympic Distance racing or TA. In ironman they control their own selection and hardly compete for Australia.
by truth, 26 May 2010Again loyalty is a two way street.....why would any athlete continue to put in the hard yards for an organisation that treats athletes this way. Its a complete cop out for TA treat athletes the way they do and then play the loyalty card when it suits them.
Matt- on the TA situation, by racing ironman, Crowie and Macca don't need to have anything to do with TA, where as GB does if he wants to go to london.
by Matt, 25 May 2010regardless of the politics, GB obviously has a strong connection to the states, he's spent most of his recent career there and is married to an american. He is becoming an american citizen and will probably spend the majority of the rest of his life there. His reasoning is he wants to share his Olympic experience with his wife - you can't do that to the fullest extent racing for different teams.
Your Ali example is stupid. Ali never represented the U.S in a Olympics after Vietnam, and you can hardly say the world of Pro boxing is representing your country, especially in that era when most contenders were american.
Yes Paul I agree, TA have delt Greg a bad hand over the years, but many other athletes have suffered the same fate including Macca and Crowie, but some how I cant see either of them running across the Kona finish line with an American flag in their hand, can you?. Muhammad Ali was condemned by his country for not supporting the Veitnam war, but that didn't sway his loyalty, and he is perhaps one of the most loved sporting identities not only in the States but around the world. Paul, please tell me you have something better then the TA excuse.
by Paul, 25 May 2010Best of luck Greg.
by Joe, 25 May 2010Matt loyalty is a two way street.......would love to here Greg's real opinion of TA and the decisions they have made over his career.
I agree with Matt, this is a little say Greg.
by Matt, 24 May 2010Sorry Greg, I just don't get it, why would you dump Australia in favour of America. Why does being Australian stop you from spending time with your wife and assisting with her training. You say you think you've given fair service to Australia, but where's your loyalty and passion for your homeland. last time I checked, Greg Norman, Harry Kewell and Andrew Bogut were all still Aussies, and proud of it, and have spent all of their proffessional careers overseas. Your decision bewilders me.