You’ll be familiar with their faces; some of you see them every weekend in the four corners of Quebec, and some of you have been seeing them for years. Always there to ensure your safety, often present to remind you of the rules at pre-race meetings and sometimes, to your dismay, also to enforce the rules and impose (very few) penalties, Triathlon Québec officials play a major role in the running of events. Through this series of portraits, we’d like to introduce you to the men and women behind the whistle. Who knows, it might even inspire you to join the team!

After Yan Therrien, we’re pleased to spotlight Caroline Gélinas, NTO official, race director for the Défis du Parc triathlon and member of the Triathlon Québec Board of Directors.

Triathlon Québec : Hello Caroline, could you start by introducing yourself?

Caroline Gélinas : I’ve been working in the world of pensions and benefits for over 20 years. I spent fourteen years in consulting and now work for a large private company in Montreal. I’m a girl who has always loved to move. Over the years, I’ve dabbled in many sports, including basketball (yes, despite my 5’2), cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, squash, tennis, road and mountain biking, dragon boating and triathlon. A bit of a workaholic, I forgot about myself for several years. A member of two dragon boat teams from 2007 to 2011, I volunteered for the Esprit de Montréal triathlon. I was marking the athletes’ beautiful calves, and there was no way I was going to be taken away from that task. The dream of doing a triathlon began to take shape in 2010. But there was no way I was going to do it alone. After unsuccessful searches for teammates to do it in 2011 and 2012, I put it off. However, towards the end of July 2012, a colleague was looking for a road bike to do Esprit. I generously offered her mine, telling her that it was one of my dreams to do a “tri”. No sooner said than done, the loan was refused and I had to click on “sign up” within the hour. I can’t thank this colleague enough. With less than six-seven weeks to go before the triathlon, I had to try to swim 750m in open water and with a wetsuit! Misery!!! Nine years later, I’m still very much a part of the triathlon world, and swimming is now a sport that I’d almost call “Zen”, because I love it so much.

Triathlon Québec: The trigger, so to speak! How many years have you been an official for Triathlon Québec?

Caroline Gélinas : In September 2013, a friend from my triathlon club, who was also an official, knew I was interested in being an official and asked me with a few days’ notice if I was available to be an official at the Esprit triathlon. Decidedly, I love making my firsts at Esprit. I jumped at the chance. So I had my “live” training with Yan Therrien and Éric Noel. In 2014, I was lucky enough to be official on my first international-level races with the Magog Paratriathlon World Cup and a PATCO race. A year later, I had my National Official Training (NTO) in Magog, which again hosted a CAMTRI race (PATCO equivalent). It was also in 2015 that I was lucky enough to have the role of technical delegate for the first time at the Esprit triathlon. And yes, Esprit again. Three years later, I had my Continental Officials Training (CTO) in Edmonton at the WTS. It was my first time outside Quebec and I loved it. So I went back to Edmonton in 2019 and was due to return for the Grand Final in 2020, but you know the rest! I’ve also been an official at the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events at Tremblant on several occasions.

Triathlon Québec: Can you tell us a little more about what inspired you to become a triathlon official?

Caroline Gélinas: I’ve always loved getting involved, and when I love something, I don’t do it by halves, so why not be an official? I loved being a volunteer, but I missed the responsibility, whereas being an official allowed me to combine the two. Finally, being able to give back to the community is also something important, whether it’s explaining how to set up in a transition zone to athletes just starting out, or simply giving my time.

Triathlon Québec: After all these years, what motivates you to be an official every weekend?

Caroline Gélinas: I’d say it’s mostly the people! Both athletes and fellow officials. Seeing new faces every weekend, creating bonds with them. In 7 years, I’ve seen kids start out in the U5s and soon, some of them will probably be Elite! It’s an enriching experience. I also love supporting and helping organizations improve their events. It’s a big team effort to be an official. Oh, and I almost forgot, the tradition of going for ice cream between officials!

Triathlon Québec: What qualities do you think make a good Triathlon Québec official?

Caroline Gélinas: It’s hard not to agree with what Yan Therrien has already listed. In addition to the qualities of impartiality, integrity and honesty, I would add a sense of resourcefulness, good judgment and openness to criticism.

Triathlon Québec: As someone who has travelled the length and breadth of la belle province, what’s your favourite triathlon event?

Caroline Gélinas: As you might have guessed, Esprit will always have a special place in my heart. I’ve been lucky enough to attend several in Quebec as an athlete, volunteer and official. I love them all!

Triathlon Québec: What about the international scene?

Caroline Gélinas: I only know Edmonton outside Quebec, so it’s hard not to name it! I’m hoping to make it to Bermuda in 2021 for the WTS, which was due to take place in April 2020. I’ll get back to you with an answer next autumn, I hope!

Triathlon Québec: Can you give us one or more reasons for becoming a triathlon official?

Caroline Gélinas: As simple as giving back to our community. It’s such a beautiful environment. After a big day, to clap your hands with a sense of accomplishment and see the smiles and pride in the eyes of the athletes and members of the organizing committee. It’s priceless! I would also add the sharing of knowledge and discussions with our fellow officials. Meeting outstanding mentors from all over Canada and beyond. It’s all very enriching. I’ll end with the chance to stay involved in the industry despite the eternal wounds. It’s not just when you’re an athlete that you feel the vibe of the event. Officials can also have emotional moments when they see the beautiful stories of athletes at the finish line.

Triathlon Québec: With all these events under your belt, you must have a little anecdote to share with us?

Caroline Gélinas: A little anecdote from Ironman Tremblant: I’m probably the only official to have had a motorcycle accident on the 117 and ended up on crutches for 6 weeks. Otherwise, it’s hard to forget the floating shoes in Gatineau in the transition zone. What a deluge that day!

Triathlon Québec: Thank you, Caroline, for this interview, and see you this summer at our partner events!