The ages of the half-dozen who got the nod range from 23 to 73.

Jemma Burtonwood (23) is the baby of the contingent, and Keith Pearce (73) will be the senior local at the Gold Coast titles.

Roselyn Gucul will compete in the 45 to 49 age category and Jan Smeaton (50-54), Rhett Patterson (35-39) and Glenn Williams (45 to 49) will also be part of the 6000-strong field.

“The selection of six athletes from one club is quite extraordinary, considering Forster has only 130 members. It shows the quality of local triathletes,” Lee said.

“In the 22-year history of the club this is a very important event, and the selection of these athletes is due recognition of the time and effort they’ve put into their training and competing.”

The athletes were picked based on performances in Olympic distance triathlons at Hobart, Canberra, Perth, Geelong and Cronulla. Athletes’ best three results were counted, so they virtually had to finish in the top 10 every time to make the team. Smeaton and Pearce are no strangers to international competition.

Smeaton has been to world age group titles in Switzerland, Germany and Canada while Pearce, a veteran of both the Australian and Hawaiian Ironman, has won at virtually every triathlon distance.

“The Olympic distance will be a challenge for Keith at this level of competition, but Keith is such an amazing athlete a medal is certainly a possibility,” Lee said.

He praised Burtonwood – a national bodysurfing champion - and Gucul – a hockey player – for their seamless transition to the sport, but especially savoured the success of Patterson and Williams.

“Rhett Patterson and Glenn Williams are both awesome athletes who are very worthy selections in the national team,” Lee said.

“Rhett has been a dominant triathlete in all his races this year, never being placed outside the top 10 in his qualifying races and Glenn has found the Olympic distance a challenge to his liking because he is so strong at the bike and run legs.”

The Age Group titles, to be held at Southport Broadwater Parklands from September 9, are expected to draw 50,000 spectators.

- Tim Connell