Fujifilm team goes for gold on Hamilton Island

For the first time, a team of five Fujifilm employees and aspiring athletes laced up their trainers and ran under the company banner at the Fujfilm Hamilton Island Triathlon and Whitehaven Beach Ocean Swim.

Lining up for the starter’s pistol was Nadine Lafleur, Terrie Morgenson, Carmelo Gallo, Michelle Washington and team captain Sarah Fenton, representing a wide range of ages and experience levels from novices to seasoned marathon runners. Competitors dived for a 750m swim across the idyllic Catseye Bay, before saddling up for a 20km cycle, and a 5km run to a glorious beach-side finish.

Dave Marshall, Fujifilm COO, did not compete himself but was on hand to cheer his team across the finish line.

Marshall said, “We have been the major sponsor in this event for five years now, and it was great to see Team Fujifilm racing for the first time. I am exceptionally proud to be supporting such a great bunch of athletes and we are looking forward to encouraging even more employees to give it a go next year.”

Nadine Lafleur, graphic systems marketing, secured a podium spot, placing 2^nd in the 30-39yr females age group. Michelle Washington, customer engagement manager, recovered from injury to compete, but was forced to drop out of the race with a flat tyre during the cycle leg.

At 59, Fuji technical services helpdesk operator Terrie Morgenson relished the opportunity and the challenge of competing in the event.

“I decided at age 59 that this would be a great challenge and give me goals to aim for in my physical fitness,” she said.

Seven-times Ironman and Fujifilm IS network manager, Carmelo Gallo said, “It has really lifted the spirits in the company to have a common goal with your team mates, especially because we all come from different areas of the business.”

Team captain Sarah Fenton, executive assistant to the CEO, also praised the support extended to the group by Fujifilm.

“It was fun training with our weekly run group and the Fujifilm swim squad at Manly Dam. These team building exercises are different and promoting life work balance,” she said.

Fenton is currently in training for Ironman Port Macquarie.