Joel Piper
21
YEARS OLD
QLD
BURLIEGH HEADS MOWBRAY PARK SLSC
2nd
2024/2025 SERIES
swim
STRENGTH
Bio
Earning his spot in the 2024/25 Shaw and Partners Iron Series the hard way (through the Trial, presented by Race One Surf Craft), Joel Piper went from strength to strength during the three Rounds before coming within centimetres of the overall trophy. This season, Piper aims to do one better, and potentially achieve his main goal of representing Australia in an Open Team. When not competing and training, Piper works fulltime in Finance and loves chilling at the beach with the doggo and his mates.
Joel, how old were you when youstarted surf lifesaving and why?
6. My family wanted to make me surf aware.
Who was your hero growing up in and out of surf lifesaving?
Georgia Fitzsimmons has always been a big inspiration of mine. I was lucky enough to watch her train and race when we both competed for Newport and I was able to witness how a professional ironwoman goes about their business.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
A gold medal is a wonderful thing, but if you aren’t enough without it, you will never be enough with it.
Your advice for aspiring Shaw and Partners Iron Athletes?
Enjoy the grind, find the extra 1%ers and have a good support network around you. It’s an individual sport but you only perform with a great network around you.
Do you have a secret talent?
I’m pretty good with an Excel spreadsheet.
Joel, what has been a high and low in your Ironman journey?
High: Making my first Shaw and Partners Iron Series in 2024/25, and coming 2nd Overall.
Low: Not being confident and backing my ability in the earlier rounds.
Do you have any race day superstitions?
I have a pre race morning ritual for warming up and breakfast to get the juices flowing.
What is your go-to meal before a carnival?
Anything with carbs!