Jackie Fairweather

Jacquilyn Louise "Jackie" Fairweather (née Gallagher; 10 November 1967 1 November 2014) was an Australian world champion triathlete, long-distance runner, coach and Australian Institute of Sport high-performance administrator.

Personal life Jacquilyn Louise Gallagher was born on 10 November 1967 in Perth. In 2004, she married Simon Fairweather, Australian archery gold medallist from the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Triathlon career Fairweather began competing in triathlons in 1992 and won the elite Australian National Series in her first season. She spent eight years as a professional triathlete. In 1996 she became the world triathlon champion, setting a championship record time of 1 hour 50 minutes 52 seconds in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. She also won the World Duathlon Championships in 1996 to become the only person ever to win both world titles in the same year. she won the bronze medal in the marathon at the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

Sports administration In 2001, Fairweather was appointed to the position of Head Coach of the newly established Australian Institute of Sport triathlon program. From 2005 to her death on 2014, she held senior sport administration positions with the Australian Sports Commission /Australian Institute of Sport. These positions primarily assisted the high performance programs of national sports organisations.

Fairweather played a major role in triathlon administration and positions included: Triathlon Australia national elite selector, International Triathlon Union (ITU) Athletes Committee (1998–2002) athlete member, ITU Women's Committee member (1997–98) and Triathlon Australia Board Member (first ever athletes' representative) (1998–2001). Her death led to many former athletes recognizing her achievements.

Her main Australian triathlon rival in the 1990s, Emma Carney, said: "Jackie was a perfectionist[,] and I think perhaps Jackie never really appreciatedor realisedall that she achieved. It wasn't just the races she won, or the sports she excelled in – Jackie was a pioneer in Australian triathlon coaching and administration."

Emma Snowsill, 2008 Beijing Olympics women's triathlon gold medalist, commented that "You shared and cared in your knowledge and passion for our sport more than anyone[,] Jackie Fairweather. “Not only a hero for your athletic abilities, but your generosity to help many up-and-coming athletes to pave a way for themselves and the future of the sport is second to none…"

Recognition Australian Triathlete of the Year 1993 & 1996 Australian Sports Woman of the Year (Confederation of Australian Sport) 1996 International Triathlon Union Hall of Fame 2017