Simone Rose Oliver, a dynamic force of resilience and determination, has not only conquered the challenges of the triathlon but has also seamlessly balanced a thriving career and a fulfilling family life. As our celebrated Athlete of the Week, Simone embodies the spirit of perseverance and the power of a supportive community, showcasing that age is merely a number when it comes to pursuing one's passions.
The Journey Beyond Retirement
Retiring in 2017 as the Superintendent of Schools with over 35 years of dedicated service in the field of education, Simone found herself transitioning into a new phase of life. Despite this transition, she continued to contribute significantly to the educational landscape, leveraging her wealth of knowledge and experience as an Educational Consultant. Her work in fostering leadership development among senior school executives, implementing mental health programs in schools with School Mental Health Ontario, and managing social media for a national organization has left a lasting impact on the educational community.
Embracing the Thrill of Triathlons
With retirement opening up new opportunities, Simone was beckoned into the world of triathlons through the encouragement of a friend. What started as a recreational activity soon evolved into a passion that ignited her spirit. Undeterred by a lack of formal training, Simone found solace in the inclusive and encouraging community of triathletes, a stark contrast to the individualistic nature of traditional running races.
Conquering Challenges with Grit and Support
Simone's journey to the World Triathlon Age Group Championships in Pontevedra, Spain, this summer was not without its hurdles. From bike tumbles and asthma triggers to enduring a long and physically demanding season, Simone faced each obstacle head-on, buoyed by the unwavering support of her physiotherapist, coaches, and fellow Team Triumphers. Their support, coupled with a personal training plan and a resilient mindset, propelled her through the most arduous moments of her training and the race itself.
Triumphing with Grace and Humility
Despite the challenges, Simone's unwavering determination saw her through the finish line, securing an admirable 13th place in the World Championships. Yet, beyond her remarkable athletic achievements, Simone's proudest moments stem from the bonds she forged with her fellow athletes and the pride her family exuded in her accomplishments.
A Tribute to Team Triumph
Simone's journey with Team Triumph has been nothing short of transformative. The unwavering support from Coach Julia and the rest of the coaching team, coupled with the camaraderie and laughter shared with fellow group members, has created an environment of unwavering support and encouragement. Simone's journey stands as a testament to the power of collective inspiration and the profound impact of a supportive community.
Simone Rose Oliver's story is a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that the pursuit of our passions knows no age limit and that with the right support and an unwavering spirit, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way. As Simone continues to inspire those around her, her journey stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the joy of embracing life's adventures with an indomitable spirit.
Julia Aimers
CSEP Clinical Exercise Physiologist
CSEP High-Performance Specialist
Certified Triathlon, Cycling, Yoga and Swimming Coach
USA Cycling Level 2 Coach
Training Peaks Accredited Coach
I love the accountability and the structure of the Virtual 70.3 Half Ironman training program. I don't think I would have gotten this far without the program. The accountability is huge for me!
Deborah Jackman
My coach Kevin Willis is amazing. His swim practices have been a real game-changer for me. A great communicator regardless of your swim level. The whole club is supportive of everything you do. You don't need to be an Ironman to benefit from their programs. 5 stars all around!!! - Denise Pittuck
I just wanted to thank you and your team (Gabi! Brenda! Maggie! Dawn!) for making last weekend's event so amazing. I had tried to do a try-a-tri on my own last summer, and the experience was night and day.
Even though I didn't make every virtual session, I felt so prepared... I knew where to go for information, and I knew I had a team of people (coaches and our beginner tri group!) who were all there to support me.
It was interesting to watch Eric train on his own (without access to the TrainingPeaks workouts and without the weekly meetings to ask questions and learn more about proper form and race-day stuff). When we left on Sunday, he looked at me and was like "we're DEFINITELY doing the training with Julia if we decide to go for the olympic distance, right?".
So glad to have found this club and looking forward to many more triathlons in the near future!!! Tai Teleso
Julia is incredible, I once had a coach who told me to get good at biking and running as he couldn't do anything with my swim technique. Then I was introduced to Julia who is so patient and has an amazing ability to translate it all into a way I could understand. I knocked a minute per 100m off my open water swim times after only a handful of sessions with her. The team is also really welcoming, inclusive and most of all FUN!
Triumph is a warm and fun place for every level of triathlete. Whether you’re just getting started and learning all about triathlon or have been at it for decades, like some of us, you will find camaraderie and expertise in this group with Julia Aimers’ support and caring. She keeps up-to-date in so many areas of training, especially for women and including women’s issues whether it be nutrition or menopause. I highly recommend Team Triumph for swimming, biking, running or putting it all together in one package. There is no other place or group, I would rather be training with. So many of my close friends were met in this group.
A huge thank you to my Triathlon coach, Julia Cooper-Aimers. She took the time last week to drop off (from a distance because of COVID19 restrictions) some tri shorts I ordered along with a well-appreciated note to remind me that there will be ups and downs and that things will get better. She has gone above and beyond to support all of her athletes and our Team Triumph club, by providing almost daily strength, yoga, and spinning videos that have been uploaded to Youtube for anyone who needs a little motivation during these challenging times as well as many words of encouragement. I am grateful for her support and encouragement. ❤️
Anita Lacelle Taylor
Training with Team Triumph for 7 months (so far) made me faster and stronger while building nourishing connections with like-minded fitness nuts and shattering the expectations I had of myself. TT is a crew of inspiring people pursuing epic individual goals and encouraging each other along the way. Julia and her team have expert knowledge and provide a thoughtful evidence-based group program that works. I am privileged and thankful to have Team Triumph in my neighborhood and can't wait to get back to the pool!
Alex Bourne
I want to thank you for always putting our well-being at the forefront of your business model. You suspended face-to-face programs in a timely manner, leading the way in a fitness business world that took much too long to respond and put their members’ health and the community at risk. You « triumphed « in quickly acting to flatten the curve.
Your caring nature resulted in a series of innovative and fun virtual sessions and opened them to the community. I am missing the live interaction now that I am working for a few months but I appreciate that I can access the videos according to my schedule. Yin/yang session tonight, just what I needed.
Not to mention the check-ins, the home deliveries, the charitable events. Priceless.
Simone Rose-Oliver
