OUR MISSION
All are welcome – we are for athletes of all level and ages, from beginners to elites. Everyone with a passion for swimming, cycling and running are included in our STS family.
Your best is yet to come – we strive for personal excellence, where each person sets their own targets and we club together to help athletes become the best they can be, whether it’s completing a first Triathlon or winning World Champs.
Giving it our all – we’re as dedicated as those who train with us, because we love what we do and help people do what they love. We are committed to always doing better.
Working together – even individually competitive sports are greatly enhanced by camaraderie and teamwork. As a squad of like-minded athletes; we’re always motivating, supporting and inspiring each other.
OUR TEAM
VICKY VAN DER MERWE
FOUNDER AND HEAD COACH
“To me sport is about more than just performance- it’s about a healthy lifestyle- both physically and mentally- and the real connections we make. What a privelage it is to work with such an incredible community at STS!”
Vicky started Triathlon at age 15 while at Bloemhof Girls’ School in Stellenbosch. Under the guidance of Libby Burrel (who is still her mentor) she moved to Australia after school to train under Olympic coach Stephen Moss. Since then she has raced in over 40 countries, competed in the International Triathlon Circuit and trained under various Olympic Coaches while also completing her LLB Law degree.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- Olympian – Paris 2024
- Double African elite Triathlon Champ- sprint and Olympic distance
- Double South African triathlon elite Champ- sprint and Olympic distance
- SA off road Triathlon Champ
- 2nd Pro at Ironman 70.3 Mossel Bay
- Hyrox Pro AG Champ
- 2016 Rio Olympic Triathlon Squad
- 3 x Biathle World Champ; and Provincial colors in 9 different sports.
OTHER RESULTS INCLUDE:
Knysna Halfmarathon, 1st
African X Trail run, 1st ladies team
Knysna Big 5 Challenge, 1st (multiple winner)
Caveman Triathlon, 1st
WalkerBay Xtreme Big6, 1st (multiple winner)
Torpedo SwimRun, 1st and current record holder
Xterra Reunion, 2nd
RYNO OWEN
COACH
“I believe in taking a scientific approach in training methodology, making it as efficient and effective as possible – while balancing all other aspects of life. I believe in that balance paired with enjoying the process, is where one finds happiness.”
Ryno started running competitively at the age of 9 and has been hooked to endurance sport ever since. Racing triathlon now for 13 years has given him a lot of experience in the field – that paired with his BSc degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology with Physiology, gave him a very broad understanding of the macro- and microscopic effects of endurance sport training on the human body. Currently racing as a professional triathlete as well, Ryno has a huge passion for the sport and hopes for the growth of it in South Africa.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- Professional Triathlete
- BSc degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology with Physiology
- 13 years of triathlon racing experience
- Started competitive running at age 9
CP VAN WYK
COACH
CP’s love for endurance sports began when he was 16 years old, racing mountain bikes in the Spur high school league.
During his time at the University of Stellenbosch, he became USSA Champion and finished top 10 at the World University Cycling Championships. After completing his degree, he spent 5 years racing for a Professional Cycling Team, competing locally and abroad.
CP has since expanded his passion for endurance sports to swim, bike, run and has been helping other athletes achieve their endurance sports goals.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- USSA Champion 2015
- Top 10 University World Cycling Championships
- 2nd at Race2theSea
- 2nd at Race2theSun
- 36One Half Record Holder
- Top 10 Attakwas (5 Finishes)
- 5 x Cape Epic
- Top 10 Crocodile Trophy
TESSA VAN DUYN
HEAD COACH TRY-2-TRI
“One of my greatest joys is to see people get healthier, to help them exceed their expectations and actualise their goals. All while realising that exercise is fun”
As a triathlete and passionate coach, I focus on blending mind-body awareness with effective training. I create personalised plans that cater to each athlete’s unique needs and goals. I offer a safe space for growth and progress, with the understanding that everyone’s journey is different. As a mom, I know life’s complexities, so I tailor my coaching to fit each individual, helping them stay balanced while achieving their best.
As a former triathlete turned coach, I combine my personal experience with a deep passion for mind-body awareness to help athletes achieve their goals. My coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that true athletic success comes not only from physical strength but also from mental clarity, balance, and a positive relationship with both body and mind.
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned triathlete, I create customised training plans that fit your specific needs, goals, and lifestyle. I offer a supportive and safe environment where athletes can explore, grow, and progress at their own pace. As a mother myself, I understand that life can get busy, and I work to ensure my coaching is flexible enough to fit into your daily routine while still pushing you toward your personal best.
CERTIFICATIONS & EDUCATION
- TrainingPeaks Essentials Bundle Certification
- TrainingPeaks Level 1 Accreditation
- TrainingPeaks Introduction to Endurance Sport Psychology
MY JOURNEY
My coaching journey has been informed by my own triathlon experience, racing from sprint distances to Ironman events. I’ve worked with athletes of all ages and abilities, and I’ve seen firsthand how the sport can build resilience, foster self-confidence, and transform lives. My approach goes beyond race performance; I focus on sustainable habits, holistic development, and helping you stay connected to the passion that brought you to the sport in the first place.