Luke Harrop - A Life Remembered

Luke Harrop - A Life Remembered

It has been eleven years since the Triathlon community was shocked to its core by the loss of one of its most talented and popular athletes, Luke Harrop, who, in the early daylight hours of Saturday January 12, 2002, as the result of a traffic incident while on a warm up ride in preparation for the second race of the 2002 Accenture Triathlon Series, lost his life. Luke was larger than life, and everybody thought, ‘Ten foot tall and bullet proof’.

His generosity, huge personality, forever smile and his strength of character is something that his friends still reminisce about often. He had the world at his feet at age 23, an engineering degree, Australian junior team member for triathlon and several sporting achievements under his belt and most importantly to him Cleo Bachelor of the Year finalist ... he was only just starting to show what potential he had.

Just some of the many achievements and results Luke amassed in his triathlon career since 1994 began with a 3rd in the U18 Pelican Waters Triathlon, over the ensuing years he continued to improve and thrive in the triathlon community and with it came more results.

Always ready to be a friend to all, Luke enjoyed talking with everybody, or helping where he could, it is still a great comfort to us, his family, that even after 10 years, we are amazed at the number of Age Group and Professional competitors who regularly tell us stories about how Luke, in some way or another touched upon their life and increased the happiness and friendship they have enjoyed from their chosen sport - Triathlon.  

As Luke’s family we hope this small insight into the character celebrated each year at this race will be of interest to those who never met Luke and we thank all of you for participating in the Luke Harrop Memorial Race.

Luke Harrop's Results

1994
3rd  U18 Pelican Waters Triathlon
1st  Junior at Fast ‘N furious Duathlon,
3rd  Bribie Triathlon
3rd Wynnum Triathlon

1995
1st  Junior Robina Triathlon
Selected member of TA’s Target 2000 Squad

1996
1st   Clontarf Triathlon
1st  Qld Junior Duathlon Championships
3rd  Bribie Triathlon
3rd  Canberra World Junior selection Tri,
Selected in Triathlon Australia’s St George Junior Squad

1997
1st  Robina Town Centre Aquathlon,
1st  Cairns Junior Half Ironman
2nd  Look Race Raby Bay
3rd  Aust Junior Olympic Distance Championships,
Raced French Iron Tour

1998
1st  Robina Town Centre Aquathlon
1st  ACT Tri Cup
1st  Nepean Tri
1st  Powerade Kawana  Tri,
1st  Triathlon de Bessages
1st  Triathlon de Codolet
1st  Triathlon Playas de Aquilas (Spanish Championships)
3rd  Triathlon de Carassome.
Received QAS Scholarship,
Raced French Grand Prix and Iron Tour

1999
1st  Citizens Wave at ITU World Championships Montreal
1st  F1 Trial race
3rd  St George Australian Sprint Championships,
3rd Kawana Waters Tri,
3rd  Look Race Raby Bay,
8th  ITU World Aquathlon Championships,

2000
3rd  Noosa Triathlon
3rd Australian Sprint Championships.
St George F1 Competitor

2001
2nd  Devonport Tri/ITU race
5th  Australian Olympic Distance Championships Moolooolaba
9th  World Cup Yamaguchi Japan
Ranked No 2 Pro on TA tour
Member of the New Balance Triathlon Racing Team

Photos courtesy of Delly Carr