Australian Triathlete - 01.08.2018

Tim Reed

36 | AustrAliAn triAthlete

text by JodIe cunnama | photogrAphy by Korupt VIsIon

W

hen I asked Tim Reed

if I could interview

him for my column

he gave a particularly

surprising specification for participation.

He requested that I do not portray his

character sympathetically or with the

generosity of admiration so often gifted

to successful sportspeople. He wanted a

‘warts and all’ exposé that offers a reality

check to sportspeople in the wider world.

I’ll be honest, it isn’t a typical

prerequisite, but then I don’t think Tim

Reed is a typical ‘alpha male’ sports star.

There is a lack of ego about Tim, a strong

sense of self-depreciation - a refreshing

rarity amongst World Champions. Already

I have gone back on my word and

launched into flattery. The very aspect of

Tim’s personality employed to subjugate

his importance as a sports person is the

very thing that makes him somewhat

special. His modesty, yes, is attractive, but

his perspective and intelligence offer

exceptional insight to the thinking fans of

the sport. Perhaps being a father to two

young boys keeps Tim’s feet firmly on the

A Reluctant Role Model

TIM REED