Aquathon founder charts course from triathlete to trainer

Rob Battocchio is a champion triathlete, marathon runner and personal trainer, who has not only coached countless people but also set the stage for for athletes of all ages to shine. Twenty-six years ago, Rob founded the Aquathon, January's annual harbour swim and Blue Mile run, which raises awareness and funds for mental health. He helped start Tri the Gong and the Splash and Dash too. Earlier this year the City of Wollongong gave Rob the 2026 sports achievement award for his lasting contribution to community life.

Rob told journalist Brian Kelly how it all began…

"I have been heavily involved in sport from my younger years, initially across surf sports as nippers, cross country, swimming then on to multisport events as triathlons in my teenage years.

"This included representing Illawarra and NSW at national level. At the age of 16, I was juggling ironman surf and long distance running when a family friend of my mum suggested I try a thing called an ‘aquathon’, which combined swimming and running.

"I won my age and top 10 overall, and soon after decided to move from surf craft to cycling and try my hand at triathlons.

"By 18, I made the NSW triathlon team, and I won the Australian Junior Triathlon series ... I was also selected in Australia’s inaugural professional triathlon series in an era of some of the greatest triathletes the country has produced.

"I went on to race in Australia and Europe with wins and podium finishes as well as juggling university studies, completing a Bachelor of Education in PDHPE and representing Australia at the World University games.

"With work, and training commitments required as a triathlete becoming challenging, I decided to focus on long-distance running and marathons, recording multiple podiums.

"In this time I moved out of teaching into coaching (running and triathlons) and was of one of the Illawarra’s original outdoor personal trainers. I had found incredible joy and a passion to help others achieve their fitness, sports or racing goals, and have helped hundreds of clients, from juniors to all ages on their personal fitness to sport journeys.

"Aquathons was always my favourite of the multi-sport events, and the opportunity arose to start an event in Wollongong – this was known as the Illawarra Aquathon in 1999, then the Australia Day Aquathon in 2000 – it continues to this day as the Illawarra’s iconic and much loved MMJ Aquathon.

"It was a very steep learning curve, with lots of challenges, though an exciting challenge. Learning event operations from marketing to safety, logistics, and coordination at a time with very little reference and event services was unique, but with some amazing help and drive, I am extremely happy with where the event has grown into.

"I continued to juggle the fitness business and running at an elite level, though by my early 30s, this took a toll, with first a major Achilles injury and then I ended up with Guillain-Barre syndrome – an autoimmune disease that pretty well ended my running.

"However, I am still happily coaching other athletes and extend my hand at events as the inaugural Wollongong Triathlon, Splash Wollongong and Mt Keira Challenge.

"With a young family, I decided to focus on the event side and was offered work as a casual TAFE teacher, which became fulltime. I scaled back all events to focus on the MMJ Aquathon, which has seen fantastic growth and popularity. I get immense satisfaction from seeing the incredible community atmosphere and the mix of people that all come and enjoy aquathon for what it is – fun, fitness and community.

"As my children are in their primary ages, I have gone back to surf lifesaving and thoroughly enjoying my local club North Wollongong SLSC as a nipper parent, age manager and craft coach – supporting their multiple sports and coaching other kids has been a blast.

"Early 2027 will bring the 27th MMJ Wollongong Aquathon and what I hope will continue to be a significant event for the community."

For more information, visit the Aquathon website.